Cyprus livestock sector recovery following foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

As of August 2026, the Cypriot government has nearly completed the compensation process for over 100 livestock farms impacted by a recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that necessitated large-scale culling of animals. Minister of Agriculture Christos Senekkis confirmed that only a handful of claims remain to be settled, with most affected farmers already receiving funds to facilitate the gradual restart of their operations. Currently, no active cases of the virus are reported in any livestock units, though strict protocols for restocking remain in place.

Next week, President Nikos Christodoulides and Minister Senekkis are scheduled to receive a comprehensive recovery plan from the Special Scientific Committee, led by Dr. Stavros Malas. This study aims to provide the expertise necessary to reconstruct the livestock sector on a more resilient and sustainable foundation. The government is emphasizing caution during the transition period to ensure long-term stability and to prevent the resurgence of the disease, urging local farmers to adhere strictly to the established biological security protocols.