Newsroom
Cyprus has effectively been placed under a nationwide livestock lockdown after European authorities imposed strict measures to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, as infections continue to rise across the island.
With 41 livestock farms now confirmed infected, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi ordered Cyprus to be classified as a “further restricted zone” under EU rules, a move that brings tough limits on animal movements and exports.
In plain terms, the whole country is now operating under disease-control restrictions.
What this means for Cyprus
The measures, which will remain in place until at least May 1, 2026, ban the export of certain animal products while authorities try to contain the outbreak. The deadline could change depending on how the situation develops.
Veterinary Services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou said exports of pork and animal reproductive material from anywhere in the Republic are now prohibited.
That means farmers and producers cannot sell these products abroad for the time being, a serious blow for the agricultural sector.
Halloumi exports, Cyprus’ most famous food product, are still protected for now under earlier arrangements put in place when cases appeared in the occupied areas. But officials admit there are no guarantees.
“I cannot say how long this protection will last,” Georgiadou said, as the situation remains fluid.
Spread to Nicosia raises concern
The outbreak has now expanded beyond Larnaca, with cases confirmed in Geri and Dali, bringing the disease into the Nicosia district and increasing anxiety among farmers.
Dr. Dimitris Epaminondas, president of the Cyprus Veterinary Association, said the spread was unfortunate but not unexpected.
He stressed that new cases do not mean authorities have lost control. Instead, it likely shows the virus may have already been present in some areas before being detected.
Officials now expect more cases could be found as inspections continue.
Nearly half of livestock under monitoring
A surveillance zone has been created covering areas that include about 45% of Cyprus’ livestock population. Authorities were quick to reassure farmers that this does not mean animals will automatically be slaughtered.
The main strategy is vaccination.
Veterinary teams are moving quickly to immunize animals across the country. So far, about 80% of cattle and 45% of sheep and goats have received vaccines, with officials aiming to complete first doses by the end of March.
The goal is to build enough immunity to slow, and eventually stop, the spread.
Officials urge strict compliance
Veterinarians are calling on farmers and the public to follow all government decrees carefully, warning that ignoring restrictions could prolong the crisis and worsen economic damage.
For now, Cyprus faces weeks of uncertainty, tighter controls, and growing pressure to contain an outbreak that has moved from a regional problem into a nationwide challenge.
