Managing foot-and-mouth disease risks in Cyprus

Foot-and-mouth disease poses a significant threat to the livestock sector and the overall economy of Cyprus, particularly concerning the export of halloumi. Experts argue that current strategies for disease prevention and control are fragmented and insufficient. Because epidemiological risks do not respect political divisions, there is a critical need for a unified approach across the island. The Republic of Cyprus is being urged to formalize cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot community to establish strict, verifiable, and common management rules. Such coordination is essential to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the integrity of the primary sector. Rather than focusing on political disputes, observers suggest that the shared interest in maintaining halloumi production standards should serve as a catalyst for institutional collaboration. The government in Nicosia is encouraged to move beyond general statements and implement a concrete strategic framework for island-wide disease monitoring.