Disy Urges Christodoulides To Propose Cooperation To Erhürman Over Foot-And-Mouth Disease

In a written statement, the Democratic Rally (DISY) said closer cooperation is necessary to strengthen coordination in managing the outbreak, adding that compliance with EU legislation is essential.

Reports indicate that differing approaches to foot-and-mouth disease across the island have begun to take on a political dimension. The Greek Cypriot administration has reportedly submitted a complaint to the European Commission, arguing that practices in the north do not align with EU norms.

According to Fileleftheros, Christodoulides also raised the issue during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During the talks, he reportedly urged the Commission to use its influence with Turkey regarding the implementation of relevant measures in the north.

The Greek Cypriot side has conveyed to the European Commission its position that procedures applied in the south under EU standards should also be implemented in the north. The matter has also been discussed in the House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee, where the possibility of establishing a joint committee with the Turkish Cypriot side was raised to facilitate cooperation.

Meanwhile, the outbreak has had limited economic effects in the south. Fileleftheros reported that lamb prices have increased by around one euro, while halloumi exports remain unaffected for now.

Kostas Livadiotis, head of the Greek Cypriot Butchers’ Association, said that although the meat market has experienced some contraction, the situation is expected to be temporary. He noted that lamb prices are currently around 12 euros, while beef prices remain stable. He also pointed to difficulties in sending livestock for slaughter due to the outbreak and said measures are being sought to address the issue.

Mihalis Koulouros, head of the Halloumi Producers’ Association, stated that the disease has not yet impacted halloumi exports or pricing.

Separately, Alithia reported tensions in the “Yeri” area, where livestock farmers reportedly prevented veterinarians from collecting samples from animals. Farmers argued that samples from vaccinated animals should only be taken 28 days after vaccination to avoid false positives, citing EU-related provisions.

The Veterinary Services responded that the tests detect only active infection and not antibodies generated by vaccination, urging against misunderstandings.

DISY reiterated its position that enhanced cooperation between the two sides is necessary to effectively address the outbreak, while emphasizing that alignment with EU laws and regulations remains essential and should also apply in the north.