The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is on heightened alert as the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Cyprus and the Middle East reaches alarming proportions. According to the latest assessment report, the British authorities confirm that the epidemic affecting the island is due to the SAT1 strain, which entered the region through Turkey.
The DEFRA report is clear: The SAT1 strain, which is considered "exotic" for the West Asian and Caucasus region, caused hundreds of outbreaks in Turkey before crossing into Cyprus. Specifically, Turkey has reported a total of 1,144 cases of SAT1 in 2025, with 639 new cases recorded only recently.
This mass spread led to the detection of the virus in the village of Lapathos in the province of Famagusta in the occupied territories, on December 14, while a second outbreak has already been reported in the same area. To deal with the crisis, 200,000 doses of vaccines have already been sent from Turkey to the occupied territories, as the livestock does not have natural immunity to this strain.
London is closely monitoring developments in Cyprus, noting that:
In the free areas, no case or suspicion of the disease has been reported, with the Veterinary Services of the Republic faithfully adhering to EU legislation, which does not provide for preventive vaccination.
In the occupied territories, the situation remains serious with travel bans, quarantine and disinfectant carpets, while the area has already been visited by the EU Veterinary Emergency Team.
"The emergence of the SAT1 strain in Cyprus, combined with the huge number of cases in Turkey and the new outbreaks in Lebanon, demonstrates the high transmissibility and potentially destructive nature of the virus," the DEFRA report said.
The danger from Britain for halloumi
Despite the seriousness of the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, DEFRA assesses the risk of the virus entering Great Britain as "low". This is because there is no trade in live animals or animal products from the affected area to the United Kingdom.
However, British authorities strongly warn travellers from Cyprus and Turkey that the illegal import of meat or dairy products can lead to criminal prosecution and heavy fines. At the same time, British livestock farmers are reminded of the strict ban on the use of kitchen waste for animal feed, a critical measure to prevent the spread of the disease.
It is noted that although there is concern about Britain taking measures with an impact on halloumi, the authorities of the Republic hope that the good cooperation with the British Bases and the implementation of disinfection measures at the Pergamon and Strovilia crossings is a deterrent factor.
An extremely difficult situation for Cypriot livestock farming and exports has been shaping up in recent days, as the detection of cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the occupied areas has caused a domino effect of international restrictions.
After Australia, Canada also put the entire island under strict surveillance, while information about an imminent embargo from Saudi Arabia is a cause for concern.
It is noted that Australia has banned the trade in halloumi, while in recent days there has been a struggle by the authorities of Cyprus in an attempt by the Australian authorities to accept the shipments of halloumi, which are on their way to the country.
The Food Inspection Agency of Canada (CFIA) has announced the imposition of strict restrictions on imports from Cyprus effective from December 24, 2025. The aim of the measures is to protect Canadian livestock from the disease, which is highly contagious in animals with a double-hoofed weapon.
In particular, the Canadian authorities have proceeded to ban imports of fresh meat, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, as well as genetic material.
Products collected or slaughtered before 14 November 2025 can be imported, provided that they bear the relevant date on official documents.
According to the current guidelines, halloumi exports to Canada do not appear to be directly affected, as the product undergoes heat treatment and virus-neutralizing processes, allowing the continuation of commercial activity for this product.
While Canada keeps the window open for halloumi, the news from the Middle East is less encouraging. Saudi Arabia, one of Cyprus' most important trading partners in the region, is reportedly considering imposing a full embargo on halloumi imports. The country's authorities have already informed the Cypriot authorities, causing great concern to Cypriot cheesemakers.
