Newsroom
Cyprus is moving to round-the-clock controls at crossing points from the occupied areas, tightening biosecurity measures as authorities try to keep foot-and-mouth disease from spreading into government-controlled regions.
The decision was taken Monday during an emergency meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, amid growing concern after cases of the disease were reported in the occupied areas.
At the heart of the new measures is 24-hour disinfection of vehicles crossing into the free areas, a step authorities say is critical to preventing the virus from being carried across the ceasefire line. Veterinary Services Director Christodoulos Pipis said inspections had already been intensified since the outbreak was announced and will now be further stepped up.
“We want to make sure there are no incidents along livestock farms located along the ceasefire line,” Pipis said, noting that Veterinary Services are focusing especially on farms in government-controlled areas near the Green Line.
Authorities are also strengthening coordination with the British Bases, police, and the army, while working closely with livestock farmer groups to boost surveillance and prevent any illegal movement to or from the occupied areas. Farmers will receive clear guidelines on how to set up vehicle disinfection zones at their farms and in livestock areas.
Beyond local measures, officials are also working to protect Cyprus exports, with renewed communication underway with Australian authorities to ensure that halloumi shipments currently en route are accepted without disruption. Officials stressed that no other country has so far signaled any trade restrictions against Cyprus over the incident.
A special monitoring committee is also being set up, bringing together Veterinary Services and representatives of cattle, sheep, goat and pig farmers, as well as cheesemakers, to track developments and coordinate further action if needed.
EU experts who recently visited Cyprus backed the authorities’ handling of the situation, Pipis said, confirming that the current focus on farms near the ceasefire line is the right approach.
Officials stressed that while foot-and-mouth disease affects split-hoof animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, it does not affect humans and poses no public health risk.
For now, Cyprus is tightening its defenses, keeping a close watch on its crossing points, its farms, and a disease that authorities are determined to keep on the other side of the line.
