Cyprus government announces new measures to combat foot and mouth disease

On June 2, 2026, President Nikos Christodoulides held meetings with the epidemiological committee and agricultural organizations to address the ongoing foot and mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced ten new measures, including the continuation of animal culling and mass nationwide vaccination efforts. Authorities will increase fines for illegal transactions across the dividing line, reaching up to 100,000 euros administratively and 200,000 euros following court decisions. Biosecurity protocols will be strictly enforced with military and police assistance, while monitoring of movement and testing procedures will be intensified. Financial compensation for affected goat and sheep farmers will be increased, with specific oversight provided by a designated epidemiological team. While the government prioritizes disease containment, farmers have requested better coordination and voiced concerns regarding halloumi production and the impact of the culling policy on unconfirmed cases. Dr. Stavros Malas emphasized the necessity of active tracking to protect the sheep and goat farming industry.