A devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has gripped Cyprus, and the UK is on high alert. This highly contagious virus, which has already caused hundreds of outbreaks in Turkey, is now spreading across the Middle East. The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that the strain responsible for the epidemic in Cyprus, known as SAT1, originated in Turkey.
The SAT1 strain is considered "exotic" to the Western Asia and Caucasus region, and its rapid spread is a cause for serious concern. Turkey has reported a staggering 1,144 cases of SAT1 in 2025, with a recent surge of 639 new infections. The virus was first detected in the occupied areas of Cyprus, specifically in the Lapathos village of Famagusta district, and a second outbreak has since been reported.
Turkey has taken swift action, sending 200,000 vaccine doses to the occupied areas, as the livestock there lack natural immunity to this particular strain. The UK is closely monitoring the situation, especially in the free areas of Cyprus, where the Republic of Cyprus Veterinary Services are following EU guidelines that do not permit preventive vaccination.
In the occupied areas, authorities have implemented strict measures, including movement bans, quarantine protocols, and the use of disinfectant mats. An EU Emergency Veterinary Team has also been dispatched to the region to assist with containment efforts. The DEFRA report highlights the highly transmissible nature of the virus, noting that its appearance in Cyprus, coupled with the large number of cases in Turkey and new outbreaks in Lebanon, could have catastrophic consequences.
Despite the severity of the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, DEFRA assesses the risk to the UK as "low" due to the absence of live animal or animal product trade from the affected region. However, UK authorities are urging travellers from Cyprus and Turkey to refrain from illegally importing meat or dairy products, as such actions can result in prosecution and hefty fines. British farmers have also been reminded of the strict ban on using kitchen waste as animal feed.
The outbreak has triggered a series of international trade restrictions, with Australia banning halloumi trade and Canada imposing strict import restrictions from Cyprus, effective December 24, 2025. Canadian authorities have prohibited the import of fresh meat, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and genetic material. Products collected or slaughtered before November 14, 2025, can be imported if they bear the relevant date on official documents.
While halloumi exports to Canada appear unaffected for now, as the product undergoes heat treatment that neutralizes the virus, the situation remains fluid. Saudi Arabia, a key trading partner of Cyprus in the region, is considering a full embargo on halloumi imports, causing significant anxiety among Cypriot cheesemakers.
The impact of this outbreak extends beyond animal health, affecting international trade and causing economic concerns. As the situation evolves, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift resolution to this devastating disease outbreak.
