The customs department, in cooperation with police, has launched an investigation into a 75-year-old individual for the illegal trafficking of hay and animal feed from the north.

The inquiry follows an anonymous tip received on Thursday indicating the man was “likely transporting hay and animal feed” through unauthorised crossing points, customs spokesperson, George Constantinou, informed on Friday.

The individual had been recently involved in the smuggling of tobacco products from the north, resolved with an out-of-court settlement of €13,000.

“We were deeply alarmed and informed the police so coordinated actions could be taken to see whether the information is correct and if we can link it to the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease,” Constantinou explained.

Authorities emphasised that the allegations remain unconfirmed.

“At this moment what exists is information and speculation,” he added.

If confirmed, any evidence linking the specific products to the virus will be collected. “It takes time, it takes a lot of effort, and we will do everything possible to make it happen,” he said.

The investigation comes amid a wider outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in government-controlled areas, confirmed to be the same serotype as that circulating in the north.

Veterinary services have implemented emergency measures including lockdowns of livestock farms, vaccination of cattle within a three-kilometre protection zone, and inoculations extending to a 10-kilometre surveillance area.

Marios Christoforou of the veterinary services drew attention to the role of animal feed in spreading the virus.

“From the moment that animal feed is imported from Turkey, the disease will always be imported.”

Authorities have already culled 263 cattle in Livadia, with operations ongoing in Oroklini, affecting 11 farms and approximately 13,000 animals.

The investigation into the 75-year-old is ongoing, with customs and police working to verify the tip and determine any epidemiological link to the outbreak.