Politis

To All Those Foolish People Who Break the Law

Published January 4, 2026, 08:21
To All Those Foolish People Who Break the Law

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the occupied territories of Cyprus is causing concern, as it poses risks to the entire island. The situation has led to import bans on halloumi from countries such as Australia and Canada, with fears of further restrictions, such as from Saudi Arabia. Strong criticism is being directed at those who break the law by engaging in illegal trade of sheep and cattle through the Green Line, as they are considered to be contributing to the spread of the disease. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has already announced the imposition of strict restrictions on imports from Cyprus from December 24, 2025. The disease is highly contagious to animals, and protecting livestock is a priority. There is an urgent need for stricter controls and combating the illegal trafficking of animals to avoid further economic and public health consequences. The authorities are urging compliance with regulations to prevent the further spread of the disease.