Tufan Erhurman proposes bicommunal committee for halloumi amid disease outbreak

Turkish Cypriot politician Tufan Erhurman has proposed the creation of a bicommunal technical committee to address agricultural and livestock issues, specifically focusing on halloumi production. This proposal follows a serious outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, with veterinary services in the Republic of Cyprus confirming the viral serotype is the same as that circulating in the north. Authorities in the Republic have culled over 13,000 animals and implemented strict containment measures. Erhurman claims that the Turkish Cypriot side conducted timely vaccinations and previously supplied vaccines to the south. He also urged the Republic of Cyprus to proceed with necessary signatures for halloumi inspections in the north, noting that a January 31 deadline for progress was missed. While the Turkish Cypriot side insists they are ready for inspections, they maintain that coordination is essential to protect the island's dairy sector. The two sides differ on the origins and management of the outbreak, with Erhurman criticizing the government's rhetoric regarding the north.