Cyprus Times

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak: Accusations Fly in Cyprus

Published February 27, 2026, 17:06
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak: Accusations Fly in Cyprus

Tensions are rising in the occupied territories regarding foot-and-mouth disease, with accusations directed towards the Greek Cypriot side of concealing the illness for a year. The Turkish Cypriot “Minister of Agriculture” Hussein Chavush announced increased measures at the checkpoints and claims that animal smuggling from the free areas was detected in December 2025. He accuses the Greek Cypriot authorities of prioritizing economic losses and damage to halloumi producers, delaying vaccination. Simultaneously, he urges Turkish Cypriots to be cautious when purchasing meat from the free areas. Chavush proposes a joint effort to combat the disease, predicting it will subside with rising temperatures.