Containing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease is now the overriding priority, livestock representatives and agricultural organisations said, warning that failure to act decisively could have devastating consequences for Cyprus’ farming sector.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, cattle breeders, sheep and goat farmers stressed the need for strict enforcement of veterinary protocols and immediate support for affected producers.
Farmers await updated nationwide measures
Kostas Konstantinou, Vice President of the Sheep and Goat Farmers Group “O Poimen” and member of the Coordinating Committee of Sheep and Goat Farmers Groups, said farmers are expecting updated instructions from the Veterinary Services to apply across the entire island.
“We are waiting for new measures covering all farms, regardless of district, to prevent transmission to other provinces,” he said.
Livestock units have been implementing the measures issued on 27 December following a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture. Now, Konstantinou said, stricter action is required.
“We must be far more rigorous to avoid the virus spreading elsewhere. If it expands, the consequences for animals — and for halloumi production — will be catastrophic.”
He pointed to other European countries that managed to contain outbreaks within three months by enforcing strict controls, limiting spread to a radius of 10–20 kilometres.
Responsibility for enforcement, he added, lies with the Veterinary Services and the Police, particularly in controlling the movement of people and vehicles in affected areas.
Compensation and cooperation essential
Nikos Papakyriakou, Director General of the Organisation of Cattle Farmers (POA), said farms impacted by the outbreak must be compensated, stressing that adherence to safety protocols is a collective responsibility.
The European Commission is monitoring developments, while inspections continue.
“Cooperation with the Veterinary Services is crucial,” Papakyriakou said.
The organisation has circulated detailed guidance to producers to help them identify symptoms early. Vaccination, he noted, would only be considered if the situation became uncontrolled. For now, the outbreak remains contained.
Biosecurity, including strict disinfection and banning visits from third parties, is key to protecting livestock units, he added.
“Contain it now or face disaster”
Kyriakos Kailas, President of the Panagrotikos Farmers’ Association, warned that swift containment is critical.
“We must limit it to where it is now,” he said, referring to spraying measures and movement restrictions.
“If it spreads, it will be an enormous disaster.”
He noted that decisions on vaccination rest with veterinary authorities and scientific experts.
Calls for president to intervene
Panikos Hampas, Secretary General of the Union of Cypriot Farmers (EKA), called for calm but decisive action and appealed for intervention at the highest level.
“The immediate aim is to bring the situation under control,” he said, describing the ban on moving animals and feed as a necessary step.
The economic stakes are high. Halloumi exports generate approximately €400 million annually.
“If we reach extreme scenarios and lose large numbers of animals, thousands of jobs will disappear overnight,” Hampas warned.
He called for the activation of the 2007 emergency protocol, used during a previous foot-and-mouth outbreak, which included income-loss compensation measures.
Farmers today operate highly modernised facilities financed through substantial loans, he added, warning that widespread losses could render those debts unsustainable.
Hampas also questioned whether stricter surveillance should have been imposed earlier in areas bordering the buffer zone, given that the virus strain appears similar to the one detected in the occupied areas in December.
He further noted that the outbreak was first identified by farmers rather than the Veterinary Services. While official protocol provides for psychological support when animals are culled, he said affected producers were instead visited by police to provide statements.