Headlines
Cyprus imposes livestock controls amid foot and mouth outbreak
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Quick Summary
Cyprus imposed livestock controls after foot and mouth was confirmed at 11 farms in Larnaca. Animal movements are restricted nationwide as biosecurity tightens. Officials say dairy exports remain unaffected.
Cyprus Tightens Livestock Controls as Foot-and-Mouth Cases Spread
NICOSIA, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Cyprus imposed strict livestock controls on Tuesday after authorities confirmed multiple cases of foot and mouth disease, triggering nationwide restrictions on the movement of animals and heightened biosecurity measures across farming areas.
Farm-Level Movement Rules
Veterinary officials said an outbreak had been detected at 11 farms in the southern district of Larnaca after an initial diagnosis at one on February 20. The region borders a dividing line splitting the island, and cases of foot and mouth had also been reported in the Turkish Cypriot-controlled north in December.
Halloumi as Key Export
Impact on Dairy Exports
Economic and Trade Implications
Authorities said the situation was difficult but that there had been no impact so far on dairy exports. Cyprus' prized Halloumi cheese is one of the island's key exports.
Alleged Illegal Activities
Investigations and Enforcement
"It appears, based on preliminary information that there were possible illegal activities, which led to the difficult, very difficult state of affairs that we have to manage today," Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told reporters, without elaborating.
Unauthorised Hay Movement
Supply Chain and Transport
There have been widespread reports of unauthorised transport of hay from the northern parts of the island to the south. The last outbreak of foot and mouth among livestock was again in the Larnaca area in 2007.
(Writing by Michele Kambas. Editing by Mark Potter)
Key Takeaways
- •Cyprus imposed strict livestock controls and a nationwide ban on animal movements after confirmed foot and mouth cases.
- •The outbreak spans 11 farms in Larnaca, with protection and surveillance zones activated.
- •Biosecurity measures intensified, including disinfection points and selective road closures in farming areas.
- •Authorities report no impact so far on dairy exports, including Halloumi cheese.
- •Officials are probing potential illegal movements; earlier cases were reported in the island’s north in December.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cyprus imposes livestock controls amid foot and mouth outbreak
1What is the main topic?
Cyprus has imposed strict livestock controls after confirming foot and mouth disease in multiple farms in Larnaca. The move includes nationwide restrictions and heightened biosecurity.
2What restrictions were introduced?
Authorities banned animal movements without approval, activated protection and surveillance zones, and set up disinfection points and road controls around affected farming areas.
3Are exports or food supplies affected?
Officials say there has been no impact on dairy exports so far, including Halloumi. Monitoring and disease-control measures continue to safeguard supply chains.
4When was the last similar outbreak?
The last foot and mouth outbreak among livestock in Cyprus was recorded in the Larnaca area in 2007.
