Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus triggers cross-border dispute

A foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus has created a crisis affecting the local livestock industry and halloumi production. According to a report by the Israeli newspaper Maariv, the virus is easily crossing the Green Line, complicating containment efforts. The Republic of Cyprus, as an EU member state, is mandated to follow strict regulations that require culling entire herds upon the detection of a single infected animal. Conversely, Turkish Cypriot authorities have opted for a policy of mass vaccination without culling. Nicosia describes this strategy as dangerous, fearing it leaves active infection sources in the region. Agriculture union leaders Panikos Hambas and Christos Papapetrou have expressed concern over the lack of a unified approach, arguing that common rules must apply across the entire island to effectively manage the disease.