Dialogos

Dire Consequences for Dairy Industry if Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spreads

Published February 26, 2026, 12:00
Dire Consequences for Dairy Industry if Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spreads

The president of the Cyprus Institute, Stavros Malas, warns of the dire consequences that the spread of foot-and-mouth disease could have on the dairy industry. He points out that livestock zones in Cyprus are a problem, as they reduce the island's natural protection against infectious diseases due to proximity to the occupied territories, high density of properties, and the stabling of animals in denser conditions. Furthermore, the areas of Dali, Lympia, Aradippou, and Athienou have unfavorable climatic conditions that stress animals and reduce their productivity. Mr. Malas proposes a nationwide plan to move animals to cooler areas, strict health measures such as vaccination, and strict monitoring of areas near the occupied territories, as well as stopping the expansion of livestock zones.