Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cyprus Leads to Import Restrictions

A recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Republic of Cyprus has prompted the United Kingdom to suspend commercial imports of commodities from FMD-susceptible animals. The restrictions, implemented on February 23, 2026, aim to mitigate the risk of spreading the highly contagious disease.

Outbreak Details and Initial Response

The initial FMD outbreak was detected on February 20, 2026, at a cattle farm in Livadia, Larnaca [1]. Further cases were confirmed in nearby sheep farms. Cypriot authorities have begun culling approximately 13,000 sheep, goats, and cattle to control the spread [2]. A three-kilometer protection zone and a ten-kilometer surveillance zone have been established, with restrictions on animal and feed movement [2].

UK Import Restrictions

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has implemented the following import restrictions, effective February 24, 2026:

• Live Animals: Imports of live ruminant and porcine animals (including wild game) are suspended.
• Fresh Meat: Imports of fresh (chilled and frozen) meat from ruminant and porcine animals are prohibited.
• Meat Products: Imports of meat products from ruminant and porcine animals that have not undergone specific heat treatments (D1, D, C, or B) are suspended.
• Milk & Dairy: Imports of milk, colostrum, and their products are restricted unless subjected to treatments outlined in Commission Regulation (EU) 605/2010.
• Animal By-Products: Certain animal by-products derived from FMD-susceptible animals, including untreated wool and hair casings, are prohibited.
• Hay and Straw: Imports of hay and straw from Cyprus are suspended.

Specific Trade Adjustments

The UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance has made specific amendments to country listings, removing certificates for affected commodities from Cyprus’ entries. General import authorisations for Animal By-Products (ABPs) have been revoked and replaced with new authorisations (IMP/GEN/2026/01 and IMP/GEN/2026/02) that do not apply to products originating from Cyprus [1]. Imports of untreated wool and hair and casings from Cyprus are also suspended.

Cross-Contamination and Border Control

Guidance has been issued to Border Control Post (BCP) inspectors regarding potential cross-contamination within consignments. Splitting of loads may be permitted in certain circumstances where there is minimal risk of contamination, but is prohibited where direct contact exists between restricted and non-restricted products [1].

Further Information

For inquiries regarding these restrictions, contact bbtp-issue-triage@defra.gov.uk or imports@apha.gov.uk [1].