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Cyprus Cheese Producers Urge Government Action Over Hemorrhagic Fever Risk

The Cypriot Cheese Producers Association has called on government ministries to introduce immediate preventive measures following recent outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever. According to the association, swift action is necessary to protect public health, safeguard the food supply chain, and prevent potential economic disruptions in the agricultural and dairy sectors.

Strategic Precautions For National Safety

In its official communication, the association stressed the importance of implementing strict preventive protocols, particularly in areas where oversight remains limited. Rising concern within the agricultural sector reflects the potential impact that uncontrolled viral transmission could have on livestock production and the broader dairy industry in Cyprus.

Targeted Preventative Interventions

Industry representatives proposed several targeted actions aimed at containing the spread of the virus and strengthening biosecurity controls across the island:

  • Suspension or Temporary Closure of Livestock Units:
    Livestock operations located within or near high-risk areas, especially around Pergamos, should temporarily suspend activity or close until they meet required veterinary and biosecurity standards.

  • Enhanced Border Controls:
    Stricter inspections at border crossings and along the Green Line are considered essential to prevent the illegal movement of animals, fodder, or other materials that could carry the virus.

  • Monitoring At Key Transit Points:
    Continuous oversight at critical checkpoints, including the Pergamos crossing, is recommended to address gaps in regulatory supervision and ensure stronger disease-control measures.

Applying The Precautionary Principle

The association noted that the recommendations are based on the precautionary principle and emerging evidence of virus transmission in areas with limited monitoring. Protecting livestock health is seen as essential not only for maintaining domestic production but also for safeguarding the reputation of Cypriot dairy products in international markets.

Call For Coordinated Action

Industry leaders emphasize that coordinated and timely government action will be critical to preventing wider disruptions in the agricultural sector. Effective preventive measures, they argue, would help protect Cyprus’s dairy industry while preserving the stability of one of the country’s key food production chains.

Cyprus Introduces €200 Million Support Measures To Cut Energy And Food Costs

Comprehensive Relief Measures For A Resilient Economy

The government of Cyprus introduced support measures exceeding €200 million to reduce household expenses and support key sectors. The package targets energy costs, food prices, tourism and agriculture. Measures come in response to rising costs and supply pressures. Implementation begins in April and May 2026.

Energy And Fiscal Reforms

The government will reduce VAT on electricity for households to 5% from May 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The measure is expected to lower energy bills. Special consumption tax on transport fuels will decrease by 8.33 cents per liter between April and June 2026. Policy targets fuel-related costs.

Broadening The Zero VAT Initiative

Authorities will expand the list of products with zero VAT. Meat, poultry and fish will be included from April 1 to September 30, 2026. Existing zero-VAT categories already include fruits and vegetables. The government also decided not to introduce a green tax on fuels, avoiding an additional cost of about 9 cents per liter.

Sector-Specific Supports

The package includes a 30% wage subsidy for hotel employees for April 2026. Measure supports tourism businesses during the early season. Support for airlines aims to maintain connectivity with key destinations. The agriculture sector will receive subsidies covering 15% of costs for fertilizers and supplies in April and May.

Economic Stability, National Security

President Nikos Christodoulidis said economic stability remains a priority for the government. He noted that growth, fiscal balance and inflation trends support current policy decisions. Statement links economic policy with broader national priorities. The government continues to monitor external risks.

Ensuring Consumer Protection

Furthermore, the government has mandated rigorous market oversight and intensified inspections to prevent exploitative pricing during this period of economic intervention. This proactive stance ensures that the benefits of the measures directly serve the citizens without unintended inflationary impacts.

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