Brussels has placed the whole of Cyprus under an additional restricted zone for foot-and-mouth disease, extending strict movement and export controls across the island until at least May 1, 2026.
The decision follows a sharp rise in outbreaks and concerns over delays in applying disease-control protocols, turning what had been a localised problem into a nationwide issue. Only about half of the animals in infected units have been culled so far, despite instructions for the immediate destruction of livestock at affected farms.
EU cites delays in outbreak handling
The European Commission considers the incomplete handling of outbreaks the main reason the Cyprus foot-and-mouth virus remains active. EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliver Varhelyi decided to extend restricted zones to the entire Republic after reviewing the data provided by the Veterinary Services.
Under the procedure, Cyprus sends continuous updates on outbreaks and laboratory results, and the Commission then issues binding decisions. Two decisions have already been adopted, on February 25 and March 11, covering the confirmed cases so far.
The measures aim to protect the single European market and prevent the virus from spreading to other EU countries.
Export controls and nationwide measures
Under the latest decision, all areas outside the narrow protection zones of 3 km and surveillance zones of 10 km around outbreak sites are now classed as an additional restricted zone. Cyprus must apply control measures nationwide under EU Regulation 2020/687 to contain the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
The restrictions apply mainly to products that have not undergone heat treatment, including fresh meat, unprocessed milk and animal by-products such as hides and wool. Cyprus exports about 1,000 pork carcasses a week, and these exports are affected by the controls.
Halloumi has been exempted because the virus is destroyed by heat. The cheese is heated to more than 90°C during production, exceeding the temperature required to neutralise the virus. Agreements with the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia allow exports to continue despite the loss of disease-free status.
Outbreak centred in Larnaca district
So far, the spread of the virus is concentrated in the Larnaca district, with Livadia, Oroklini, Troulloi, Aradippou and Dromolaxia at the centre of the outbreak.
More than 15,000 animals have already been culled, and the virus has been detected at 38 holdings. Authorities have asked veterinarians from other European countries to assist with the process, while secondments of local veterinary staff have been suspended to strengthen the response.
Samples from other districts remain negative, raising hopes the outbreak can still be contained.
Vaccination drive accelerated
The Veterinary Services are accelerating vaccinations across the island. More than 451,000 doses have already been administered, with the first round expected to finish within March and the second round due to end in late April.
Vaccines for pigs have also been ordered, while a consultative epidemiological group with academic and veterinary experts has been set up to guide the response.
Government support plan under discussion
The outbreak will be discussed at Monday’s cabinet meeting, President Nikos Christodoulides said, with the government expected to decide on support measures for livestock farmers.
Parliament’s agriculture committee will also meet in an emergency session amid protests from farmers who oppose further culls. Authorities warn that obstruction of control measures could put neighbouring farms at immediate risk and prolong the Cyprus foot-and-mouth crisis.
Also read: Várhelyi: All animals must be culled in affected farms
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