Around 80,000 animals culled in Cyprus over foot-and-mouth disease — Cyprus Mail
In Cyprus, around 80,000 animals have been culled following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, first reported in February. Elisavet Constantinou, president of the Cyprus Food Safety Council and acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, said that foot-and-mouth disease poses no threat to consumers and is not considered a foodborne illness, Cyprus Mail reports.
According to her, food safety in the country is ensured by a system of official controls. It involves public health services, the ministries of health and agriculture, as well as veterinary services.
Foot-and-mouth disease and drought
Constantinou noted that local and international outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease require immediate control and preventive measures to protect livestock, animal health, and restore the country’s disease-free status. Kostas Livadiotis, head of the butchers’ association, also said that an animal’s infection with foot-and-mouth disease does not harm people.
According to Livadiotis, the outbreak resulted in the loss of approximately 10% of local meat production. At the same time, he believes that Cyprus’ food supply chain is not under threat due to a decline in tourist numbers and imports of certain products, including pork steaks from Poland.
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Cyprus is also facing a prolonged water shortage and heat. The government announced investments of €168 million to address water scarcity. Constantinou stressed that droughts increase pressure on water resources, but no cases have yet been recorded in which water shortages were directly linked to food safety incidents.
Food and import controls
Plant-based products are tested, among other things, for pesticide residues and organic and inorganic contaminants. Veterinary services control food of animal origin, including monitoring animal diseases, veterinary drug residues, and other potential hazards.
Imports from third countries undergo official controls in accordance with EU legislation. Products of animal origin and live animals are inspected at border control posts in Larnaca and Limassol. According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus, imports of food and beverages amounted to €141 million in March 2026.
When violations are identified, control authorities may remove or recall products from the market and apply administrative and other measures provided for by law.
