Cyprus combats foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
Cyprus is addressing a significant foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting approximately 100 farms in the Idalion region, which houses an estimated 100,000 cattle, sheep, and pigs. To manage the crisis, the Veterinary Council has granted temporary practice licenses to four Slovak veterinarians to assist with vaccinations, sampling, and epidemiological investigations. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced a €28 million support package for livestock farmers, including 9+1 measures to stabilize the sector. Stavros Malas has been appointed by President Nikos Christodoulides to lead a special committee focused on long-term reconstruction and sector restoration. Authorities are conducting strict checks, including police interventions at non-compliant units, and are calling for coordination with the occupied territories to prevent further spread. Concerns persist regarding the impact on halloumi exports and the potential need for stricter border controls at crossing points, though UN officials maintain that these are sovereign decisions. A separate case of foot-and-mouth disease was also confirmed in the Pelopi area of Lesbos, Greece, on March 17, 2026, prompting immediate movement restrictions for animals and products.