Cow Milk Deliveries Rise in March Despite Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Despite a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak forcing livestock culls, Cyprus recorded a surprising 6.5% year-on-year increase in cow's milk deliveries for March 2026, keeping the vital agricultural sector resilient.
Milk Deliveries Defy Culling Impact
In March 2026, cow's milk deliveries recorded an increase of 6.5% year-on-year, despite the culling of animals due to foot-and-mouth disease, according to data published on Wednesday by the Statistical Service.
Specifically, in March, 30.94 thousand tons of cow's milk were delivered, compared to 29.05 thousand tons in the same month of 2025.
Monthly Growth Rates Accelerate
Compared to February 2026, when 27.79 thousand tons of cow's milk were delivered, March saw an increase of 11.33%.
Furthermore, consumption milk production from cow's milk reached 4.64 thousand tons in March 2026, compared to 4.48 thousand tons in March 2025. In February 2026, consumption milk production was 4.25 thousand tons.
Outbreak Management and Halloumi Exemption
Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, were affected in several livestock units initially in Larnaca and then in Nicosia district, following a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, first reported on February 20. FMD spread to Limassol in May. This followed an FMD outbreak in the island’s Turkish-occupied areas last December. Authorities proceed with a nationwide vaccination campaign of animals to contain the virus, while EU rules require all animals in the infected areas to be culled, bringing about a series of repercussions in livestock farming and other agricultural economic activities. Halloumi, Cyprus’ top agricultural export product, has been spared. Experts reiterate that FMD is not dangerous to humans.
