Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks Raise Global Concerns
Recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Europe and the Middle East are prompting heightened vigilance from veterinary authorities worldwide. Confirmed cases in Cyprus, Slovakia, Hungary, and Germany have led to trade restrictions and increased biosecurity measures, raising concerns for livestock producers and the agricultural sector.
Cyprus Faces Outbreak, Halloumi Production at Risk
On February 24, 2026, authorities in Cyprus confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, sparking grave concern among farmers. The outbreak threatens the nation’s livestock and, the production of halloumi cheese, a significant Cypriot export Cyprus Mail. The Cyprus cheesemakers’ association echoed these concerns. Despite the outbreak, exports of manufactured products, including halloumi, are continuing as normal, provided they meet heat treatment requirements and are accompanied by the necessary health certificates CNA.
UK Responds with Import Restrictions
The UK government has taken swift action in response to the outbreak in Cyprus, applying restrictions on certain Cypriot commercial imports to Great Britain GOV.UK. Personal imports of meat and dairy, including halloumi, from the EU remain prohibited, in line with existing restrictions. The UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Christine Middlemiss, emphasized the importance of remaining in contact with European counterparts to monitor the situation and minimize the risk of disease incursion GOV.UK.
Spread Across Europe: Slovakia, Hungary, and Germany
The outbreak is not limited to Cyprus. Slovakia has reported six separate cases of FMD, with the first detected on March 20, 2026, near the Hungarian border. The serotype matches cases in Hungary Reuters. Hungary confirmed its first FMD outbreak in over 50 years on March 7, 2026, with a second farm reporting infection on March 26, 2026. The serotype identified in Hungary is O, showing high similarity to a strain isolated in Pakistan in 2017-2018, but differs from the strain found in Germany.
Germany experienced its first FMD outbreak in almost 40 years in January 2025, with the virus serotype O confirmed in water buffalo near Brandenburg. Affected animals were culled, and nearby pigs were similarly culled as a precaution. No further cases have been detected in Germany.
Vaccination and Control Measures
Suitable vaccines against FMDV serotype O are available through the German FMD antigen bank, which can produce necessary vaccines within days once activated. Suppressive vaccination is currently being used on infected farms in Slovakia and Hungary to reduce viral load and alleviate pressure on resources.
Importance of Biosecurity
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, but poses no risk to human or food safety. Livestock keepers are urged to maintain rigorous biosecurity measures. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) in the UK highlighted the importance of border security and urged livestock keepers to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases GOV.UK.