**Nicosia, Cyprus** – The Republic of Cyprus has initiated a high-level emergency response following the confirmation of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) cases in the occupied Lapathos region of the Famagusta district. The Ministry of Agriculture has declared a state of heightened alert, orchestrating a comprehensive mobilisation of all relevant authorities to contain the virulent outbreak and avert its perilous spread into the island's uninfected territories. This development has not only triggered stringent biosecurity protocols across the island but has also led to an alarming international consequence: Australia’s decision to de-list Cyprus as an FMD-free country, casting a shadow over critical export markets.
In response to the escalating crisis, a crucial three-hour emergency meeting convened on December 22nd at the Veterinary Services headquarters. This high-stakes deliberation brought together a formidable coalition of stakeholders, including representatives from agricultural organisations, the dairy industry, veterinary professionals, livestock farmer advocacy groups, the Customs Department, the Police, and UNFICYP. The unified objective was to meticulously coordinate strategies and reinforce containment measures, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the potential for incalculable economic damage should the disease breach the Green Line.
The immediate focus of the government’s action plan is the fortification of biosecurity on farms and the rigorous implementation of containment measures at all crossing points to and from the occupied north. Surveillance operations along the Green Line have been significantly intensified, with Customs, Police, and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on high alert to detect and prevent any unauthorised movement of animals. Furthermore, checks pertaining to milk collection and transportation routes have been subjected to a more stringent regime to mitigate any potential transmission vectors.
The international ramifications of this outbreak are already being felt acutely. On December 19th, Australia formally removed Cyprus from its roster of FMD-free nations. This decision has profound implications, particularly for the island's lucrative halloumi cheese exports, a cornerstone of the Cypriot agricultural economy. In an effort to counter this detrimental outcome, Cyprus is actively engaging in diplomatic channels, with documented representations being made to the Australian Embassy in Cyprus and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spearheading efforts to persuade Australian authorities to reconsider their decision. The European Commission and its Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG Health) have also been formally notified, signalling the potential need for a coordinated EU-wide intervention.
The fear of contagion extends to the British Bases at Pergamos and Strovilia, where preventative measures are also being scrutinised. The livestock farmers’ representatives, echoing the sentiment of the nation, have pledged their full cooperation, stating, "We will do everything in our power to prevent an incident in the free areas." While the immediate concern is the containment of the disease, authorities are also working to reassure the public, emphasising that FMD does not pose a threat to human health and that livestock products remain safe for consumption provided standard hygiene protocols are observed. The coming days are critical as Cyprus navigates this dual crisis of an internal animal health emergency and its significant international economic fallout.