**NICOSIA** – Cyprus is currently confronting what is being described as the most severe threat to its livestock industry in living memory, as a significant outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) continues to spread across the island. The escalating situation has prompted urgent containment measures, heated parliamentary discussions, and complex diplomatic exchanges, all aimed at mitigating the devastating economic and emotional toll on farmers and safeguarding the nation's agricultural future.
The gravity of the crisis was underscored during a fractious session of the House agriculture committee on Tuesday, where MPs expressed mounting concern over the escalating number of affected units and animals. Committee chair Yiannakis Gavriel articulated the intensifying unease, stating, "The situation is dynamic and constantly evolving, and our concerns today have intensified." While Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou was notably absent, attending a crisis management centre, other officials provided stark statistics. Andreas Gregoriou, the ministry's director-general, detailed that 11 livestock units, encompassing an estimated 13,000 animals – comprising cattle, sheep, and goats – are designated for culling. The emotional impact on those whose livelihoods are inextricably linked to their farms was poignantly articulated by livestock breeder Giorgos Demetriou, who described the impending destruction of his family's long-standing operation.
In response to the virulent spread, authorities have mobilised a multi-pronged strategy. Culling operations have commenced in affected areas, such as Livadia, where cattle, goats, and sheep have been euthanised to prevent further transmission. The Game and Fauna Service has also issued a decree imposing a ban on hunting in potentially contaminated regions, a measure designed to minimise any accidental dispersal of the virus. Complementing these drastic measures, the government has established 14 disinfection points, with plans for five more, to meticulously cleanse vehicles and personnel entering or leaving at-risk zones.
Vaccination efforts are also underway, albeit with some intercommunal cooperation proving crucial. On Wednesday, 10,000 doses of FMD vaccine were dispatched from the occupied north to the Republic of Cyprus, with an additional 10,000 anticipated imminently, following an initial request for 20,000 doses. This delivery underscores the shared vulnerability of the island to the disease, transcending political divisions. Furthermore, the European Commission had previously supplied 500,000 doses of FMD vaccine to the Republic of Cyprus for distribution in areas not under government control, highlighting the international dimension of the response.
The economic ramifications extend beyond the immediate confines of the island. While the production process for halloumi, a cornerstone of Cypriot dairy exports, involves high temperatures that render it sterile and safe for international consumption, other agricultural products face scrutiny. As of February 23, 2026, the United Kingdom had implemented precautionary measures on specific Cypriot goods, suspending imports of susceptible animals, untreated fresh meat, and hay or straw. This has prompted reassurance from countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, which have confirmed their continued acceptance of halloumi, thereby safeguarding a vital export market.
The origin of the outbreak remains under investigation, with suspicion currently centering on hay, samples of which are undergoing rigorous testing. Information pertaining to this lead has been formally furnished to the police. The government has pledged comprehensive support for affected farmers, encompassing both financial compensation for livestock losses and related damages, and crucial psychological assistance. A proposal detailing these measures is currently being prepared for submission to the Council of Ministers. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but the collective effort, from parliamentary oversight to intercommunal vaccine sharing and international trade assurances, signals a determined commitment to navigating this unprecedented agricultural crisis.