Cyprus’ Veterinary Services have placed the department on “red alert” after foot‑and‑mouth disease was detected in animals in the Turkish Cypriot north.
Local media reports that veterinary Services Director Christodoulos Pipis and Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou visited supermarkets in the Famagusta area, where Pipis said authorities moved into a heightened state of readiness as soon as the outbreak was confirmed.
Panayiotou told reporters that Australia had notified Cypriot authorities it was suspending imports of products from the Republic of Cyprus following the detection of the disease in the north.
She said the government had already taken a series of actions — 16 so far — though she stressed these were not linked to Australia’s decision.
She did not provide details on the measures but said the Veterinary Services had intensified inspections and were coordinating with all relevant agencies.
Pipis said Cyprus had been in contact with the European Commission and Australian authorities since the outbreak was identified, and that Australia indicated it may review its decision based on the information provided.
He added that European Commission experts who visited the north two days earlier had been asked for a full briefing.
Calling the situation “critical,” Pipis said the department remains on red alert and is prepared to act immediately if required to prevent the virus from spreading to the south.