Dorita Yiannakou
Consumers are continuing to shop as usual, with no signs of hesitation or fear following the latest crisis triggered by the detection of foot-and-mouth disease cases in 11 livestock units affecting roughly 14,000 animals. The appearance of the disease in Cyprus has caused no disruption in the retail market: demand for essential goods, pricing levels, and store traffic all remain steady.
Market sources told Kathimerini Cyprus (“K”) that although the outbreak has understandably raised concern among producers and livestock farmers, overall market conditions remain stable. Representatives of consumer groups and the retail sector report no noticeable changes, noting that activity in butcher shops and retail outlets continues normally. Meat prices have also held steady, with industry officials emphasizing that no price increases are warranted at this time.
The only real concern is the potential spread of the virus beyond the initial cluster where cases have been identified. Areas such as Athienou and Dali host large livestock operations, and any transmission there could have more serious effects on production. According to officials, higher lamb prices might be justified only around Easter, and only if the virus spreads further and impacts additional farms. So far, the planned culling of 14,000 animals does not affect the market, as this represents just 1.5% of Cyprus’s total livestock.
Consumers
Foot-and-mouth disease has not negatively impacted consumption, and normal conditions prevail in the retail market. The fact that the disease is not transmitted to humans through dairy or meat consumption has reassured the public. Consumers continue to purchase meat and dairy products for their daily meals without any noticeable change in buying habits.
Possible Easter lamb price increases if the outbreak spreads
According to Cyprus Consumers Association President Marios Drousiotis, foods such as halloumi, milk, and other dairy products pose no health risk to consumers. These products undergo pasteurization and heat treatment processes that ensure complete safety, something consumers understand well, he noted.
As for potential price increases at Easter due to a possible supply shortfall, Drousiotis described this scenario as unlikely and dependent on further spread of the virus to additional farms. Livestock farmers may end up slaughtering fewer animals than originally planned for Easter because they will want to retain more young animals to rebuild their herds rather than send them immediately to market. These animals are currently one to two months old and are typically slaughtered at three to six months of age, right around the Easter season, which this year falls in April.
Based on current data, culling has so far affected only cattle, not sheep or goats, Drousiotis added. The next three weeks are considered especially critical in determining whether the disease spreads to other farms. If that happens, herd replenishment may be required, potentially creating a temporary shortage in the lamb market. However, as is customary during peak periods such as Christmas and Easter, any shortfall would be covered by imports from Greece or other countries. Imported lamb typically costs €1–2 more than locally produced lamb.
Prices
If the virus remains contained, neither shortages nor price increases are expected ahead of Easter. The market is functioning normally, and there is no justification for price hikes, said Pancyprian Retail Trade Association President Marios Antoniou.
Prices have not changed, and according to suppliers and retailers, no one has adjustedor plans to adjust, retail prices because of the outbreak. The retail sector continues to show a stable, balanced picture, with no signs of disruption or sudden shifts in pricing or product availability. Businesses are operating normally, supply chains remain uninterrupted, and so far there are no pressures likely to affect consumers’ daily lives, he said.
Consumers can continue their routine shopping without concern, as the market appears capable of absorbing any external shocks. Meanwhile, authorities and industry professionals are closely monitoring developments to ensure stability continues in the coming period. Maintaining this stability is key to preserving consumer confidence and supporting the smooth functioning of the broader economy.
