Cabinet approves up to €50,000 interim payouts to FMD-hit farmers

The cabinet approved on Thursday an advance payment of up to €50,000 per livestock unit for farmers affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, as authorities seek to contain the spread of the virus and cushion the financial impact on the livestock sector.

Agriculture minister Maria Panayiotou said the payment would be made as an initial instalment to cover loss of income, with the amount varying according to the number of animals in each affected unit.

She described the measure as an immediate intervention aimed at supporting the primary sector during a critical period.

A special committee will be established with the participation of the veterinary services, the agricultural research institute and representatives of livestock breeders.

The committee will assess each case individually and determine a tailored compensation package to support farmers in restarting production.

Authorities have already culled around 20,500 animals across 23 livestock units in the wider Larnaca area as part of containment measures following confirmed infections.

Veterinary services also confirmed a new positive case at a unit with around 500 animals in Dromolaxia.

The government has begun identifying disease-free regions abroad from which animals could eventually be imported to replenish herds once affected areas in Cyprus have been disinfected and declared free of the virus.

Panayiotou said the advance payment addresses income losses reflected in milk deliveries and tax declarations, while separate assessments will determine the value of animals destroyed.

Total compensation costs have not yet been calculated because new cases continue to emerge and each farm’s production capacity differs.

In parallel with financial support, the government has imposed strict restrictions aimed at preventing further transmission.

A decree published in the official gazette places livestock farming under heightened alert and restricts the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, as well as the transport of feed, equipment and non-essential personnel within control zones.

Exceptions may be granted by veterinary authorities under strict conditions, including the transport of animals to slaughterhouses, milk collection and the delivery of medicines and water to farms.

Violations of the measures can lead to administrative fines of up to €5,000 under the animal welfare bill.

Panayiotou said authorities remain focused on containing the outbreak while ensuring farmers can resume operations as soon as possible.

She said 16 government services and more than 500 personnel are working around the clock to control the disease and enforce biosecurity measures.

Police are also investigating the possible source of the outbreak after veterinary officials suggested contaminated animal feed from the north may have been involved.

The minister said the investigation is ongoing and that eligibility for compensation will be determined in line with the relevant legislation.

The outbreak comes amid concerns about potential effects on dairy production, including halloumi, although the government said there are currently no plans to alter production quotas.