A loophole in controls that could blow up Cyprus’ livestock industry, recent seizure reveals 75 kg of cattle hides at the barricade of Agios Dometios. In the middle of the measures for the foot-and-mouth diseasethe transfer of animal by-products from occupied to free areas is a serious threat to livestock.
On April 22, 2026, officers of the Customs Department stopped for inspection a vehicle driven by a Turkish Cypriot. During the investigation, five bags containing 75 kg of cattle hides were found.
According to information from “F”, this is the fourth incident in the last six months. These skins, which are completely raw, were intended for consumption (making soup) by citizens of third countries, mainly Africans living in the free zones.
If the final recipients of these products, in this case workers from third countries, are employed in livestock units, the transfer of the virus to the farms is only a matter of time.
The Turkish Cypriot driver was imposed an out-of-court settlement of €500, while the vehicle and the skins were confiscated. How a fine of €500 is able to prevent a health disaster that could lead to the death of thousands of animals and the economic withering of Cypriots breeders;
IF.
