Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak threatens Cyprus halloumi production

A first case was detected in Turkish Cypriot-controlled northern Cyprus in December, but the virus is now found throughout the island.

In the Greek Cypriot part in the south, EU laws apply, requiring the slaughter of livestock. In the north, authorities want to focus on vaccination.

But slaughtering half the island is not enough to stop the virus, according to authorities.

The environment, the sun and the air cannot be divided; they are one. The same rules should apply to everyone, says Panikos Chambas, head of the Southern Cyprus Cooperative Federation.

The animal disease poses no health risk to those who eat the cheese, but it could wipe out the island's sheep and disrupt production.

Halloumi is Cyprus' second most important export product, with over 45,000 tonnes produced annually.