Cyprus expands livestock compensation scheme for animal disease control

On 11 May, the State Aid Commissioner of Cyprus, Stella Michaelidou, approved the third amendment to the national emergency plan for managing animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease. The amendment increases the total budget of the measure from €23 million to €30.6 million. The revised framework now officially includes pig farming units as eligible beneficiaries for advance payments regarding animal culling compensation. The scheme, implemented by the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, provides funding for sampling, laboratory testing, culling, destruction of animal products, disinfection, and vaccination. It also covers compensation for income loss during quarantine periods. Eligible beneficiaries are restricted to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises within areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, while large enterprises are excluded. This support framework is based on EU Regulation 2022/2472 and remains valid from 23 January 2023 through 31 December 2027.