The situation for halloumi production is manageable if conditions remain as they are today and the spread of foot-and-mouth disease is contained, the cheesemakers’ association spokesman Michalis Koullouros said on Wednesday.

Koullouros told the Cyprus News Agency that there was no concern over exports, stressing that halloumi was not expected to be included in any embargo list.

“Exports continue normally following recent cooperation with veterinary services, including the issuance of additional certification where required,” he said.

Koullouros warned that the culling of animals remained a key concern.

Significant livestock losses could reduce milk production and affect halloumi output if the virus spread further across Cyprus.

Around 80 per cent of local milk production is used for halloumi.

“It is too early to estimate the full impact,” he said, pointing out that the outbreak coincided with a peak milk production period, increasing the potential impact.

Koullouros stressed that the priority was to limit the spread of the virus and support livestock farmers, adding that compensation measures would be needed to restore production levels.