Cyprus Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak Threatens Halloumi Exports
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Feb 25, 2026 · Last updated Feb 25, 2026
The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus poses a significant threat to its agricultural sector, particularly the lucrative halloumi cheese exports to the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia. While immediate production and exports are assured due to safety measures, the culling of 13,000 animals and potential trade restrictions could lead to economic losses for Cyprus.
Cyprus is facing an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, affecting 11 farms near its southern coastline. The government, led by Agriculture and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou, plans to vaccinate thousands of animals and cull at least 13,000 sheep, goats, and swine to contain the highly contagious viral disease. European Union experts are overseeing initial vaccinations, and more than half a million doses are on order. The disease, which appeared in the Northern Cyprus at the end of 2025, threatens Cyprus's halloumi cheese exports, which surpassed 200 million euros in the first half of 2025. President Nikos Christodoulides has pledged support and compensation for affected farmers. Despite the outbreak, the head of the Cheesemakers Association, Marios Constantinou, assures that halloumi production and exports remain safe due to strict manufacturing protocols.
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