Cyprus meat market faces decline amid foot-and-mouth disease concerns

During the Easter period in Cyprus, the demand for meat declined by 20% due to consumer anxiety regarding a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Costas Leivadiotis, President of the Butchers Association, reported that despite lower slaughter levels, significant quantities of lamb and goat meat remained unsold. The situation was exacerbated by the confirmed detection of the virus at a pig farm in Paliometocho, which has intensified concerns regarding the potential spread of the disease within the livestock sector. Although the virus poses no risk to human health, the resulting psychological impact and uncertainty have created a surplus of pork and sluggish sales, particularly on Holy Saturday. Authorities are expanding monitored zones and investigating the potential link between the outbreak and inadequate disinfection during animal transport. Leivadiotis emphasized that while local production is sufficient, the industry is struggling with the market consequences of the virus, noting that import levels remain stable and are not connected to the supply issues. Stakeholders continue to monitor the situation as the agricultural industry attempts to contain the disease.