Status of foot-and-mouth disease management in the occupied areas

Leonidas Phylaktou, the Greek Cypriot co-chairman of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Health, stated on May 31, 2026, that there have been no changes in the management of foot-and-mouth disease in the occupied territories. Contact between the two sides continues as feasible, with a new meeting scheduled for June, following the Bayram holiday. The Turkish Cypriot side maintains that there are currently no active cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the region. Furthermore, there is currently no indication that the Turkish Cypriot side intends to adopt European Union protocols regarding the management of the crisis. These contacts have been ongoing since December 2025 within the framework of the committee. Mr. Phylaktou confirmed that both sides will continue their discussions to address the situation through formal channels.