Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus prompts concerns over coordination
As of mid-March 2026, 42 cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed in Cyprus, including new outbreaks in Geri and Dali. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou stated that technical decisions regarding vaccinations are being implemented while acknowledging the need for cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot community. Parliamentary Agriculture Committee members, led by Yiannakis Gavriel, argued that earlier communication regarding cases first detected in Lapatos in December 2025 could have mitigated the spread. Vaccination efforts have commenced in the Geri farming zone, where four cases were identified in one herd of 200 cattle. The government has committed to providing compensation for animal culls and income losses by early April. Meanwhile, a special committee headed by Stavros Malas has been established to redesign the livestock sector over the next decade. Export restrictions on pork remain in effect until May 1, although officials emphasize that halloumi consumption remains safe.