Cyprus addresses foot-and-mouth disease with financial support and new movement restrictions

The Cypriot Council of Ministers has approved an initial support package for livestock farmers affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Farmers can receive an advance payment of up to 50,000 euros, depending on the number of their animals. A specialized committee comprising the Veterinary Services, the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Institute, and farmers' representatives has been established to develop a personalized compensation scheme. Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou stated that the goal is to assist farmers in resuming production as quickly as possible, with plans to import animals from disease-free regions after thorough disinfection. Concurrently, a new decree published in the Official Gazette on March 5, 2026, imposes strict controls to limit the spread of the virus. These regulations restrict the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, feed, personnel, and equipment in affected zones. Failure to comply with these measures constitutes a violation of animal health laws, punishable by administrative fines of up to 5,000 euros. This decree replaces the previous guidance issued on February 26, 2026.