Cyprus is currently confronting a significant crisis as the highly contagious Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) poses a grave threat to the island's distinctive indigenous cattle. Experts from the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) are urgently requesting that authorities develop specific protection plans for this irreplaceable breed. They are concerned that current European Union guidelines, while effective in preventing rapid viral spread, might unintentionally cause the extinction of the native livestock.
The seriousness of this situation was highlighted by a recent visit from Oliver Várhelyi, the European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare. Commissioner Várhelyi restated the EU's firm policy on FMD outbreaks: any farm found to have the disease, regardless of visible symptoms, must have its entire herd culled. This policy, designed to stop swift and widespread contagion, has understandably caused considerable anxiety among those committed to preserving Cyprus’s unique genetic heritage. Since February 26, a complete prohibition on animal grazing has been enforced across the island, a necessary but disruptive measure to halt the disease's stealthy progression.
Ouranios Tzamaloukas, an Associate Professor at Tepak, explained the profound challenge: "When one case is discovered, it is simply not feasible to eliminate 100 or 150 animals. These animals absolutely must be vaccinated immediately and as a priority before others, as we cannot source these animals elsewhere. We are unable to import them or even their semen." This statement emphasizes the inherent vulnerability of the Cyprus breed, whose limited numbers and the impossibility of replacing them through international trade make them particularly susceptible to the devastating effects of mandatory culling.
Furthermore, the economic consequences of this outbreak are becoming an increasing worry, extending well beyond the agricultural industry. Business leaders have expressed their unease, warning that an uncontrolled crisis could lead to widespread economic disruption, impacting crucial sectors like tourism and jeopardising complex supply chains. The island’s economy, closely connected to its agricultural production and its appeal to tourists, stands to suffer considerably if the disease is not managed quickly and effectively.
In response to this growing threat, Tepak academics are proposing a comprehensive strategy. In addition to advocating for the prioritized vaccination of the native cattle, they are calling for immediate assistance for affected farmers. This support could include providing animal feed or emergency financial aid. Such measures would not only ease immediate difficulties but also empower farmers to better endure movement restrictions and potential losses of their livestock.
Commissioner Várhelyi, while acknowledging the specific circumstances, stressed the non-negotiable nature of EU regulations. "The only swift resolution to this crisis is complete adherence to the measures," he declared, referring to the established protocols for disease control, which involve strict movement limitations and the previously mentioned culling. The virus, notorious for its high transmissibility through contact, contaminated items, vehicles, clothing, and even airborne particles, necessitates such drastic actions. The public has also been urged to exercise caution and avoid livestock areas to prevent any accidental contribution to the spread.
The memory of previous FMD outbreaks serves as a potent reminder of the potential for widespread devastation. England’s experience in 2001 resulted in the culling of over six million animals, while Hungary was forced to dispatch nearly 10,000 pigs in 2025 due to FMD. These historical events underscore the urgent need for Cyprus to take decisive action. The island’s authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture, are under immense pressure to find a careful balance between complying with EU directives and protecting the future of its valuable indigenous livestock. This task requires not only a sound scientific approach but also substantial financial and emotional support for its farming community. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the destiny of this cherished breed and the resilience of Cyprus’s agricultural sector.