Situation status and timeline of FMD in Cyprus
On 19 February 2026, the Republic of Cyprus notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of a confirmed case of foot and mouth disease (FMD). Additional outbreaks have since been detected on the island.
As a result, the FMD free status of the Republic of Cyprus was suspended by WOAH, effective from 19 February 2026.
The European Union’s protocols for managing FMD are very strict, and an FMD restricted zone has been in place since 25 February 2026. The restricted zone applies to the entire Republic of Cyprus.
How does this impact your imported animal products?
New Zealand is actively monitoring the FMD situation in Cyprus.
Like many countries, New Zealand uses 2 FMD incubation cycles as the tracing period in the event of an FMD outbreak. This is being applied to products imported from Cyprus.
All consignments of FMD risk products from Cyprus will be assessed as follows:
Animal products eligible for entry into NZ
A list of animal products eligible for entry into New Zealand using normal clearance processes:
- UHT dairy product
- extruded or canned/retorted pet food
- protein meal
- semi-processed leather and fully tanned hides and skins
- processed hides and skins (pickled or limed)
- scoured and/or dyed wool (for example, wool tops)
- a product (excluding game trophies) described under the import health standard Specified Animal Products (for example, gelatine, collagen, canned or retorted animal product).
Products with a slaughter, manufacturing, or production date
All other animal products will be assessed according to their slaughter, manufacturing, or production date. Products with a slaughter, manufacturing, or production date:
- Before 23 January 2026 are eligible for entry into New Zealand following normal clearance procedures.
- On or after 23 January 2026 will be assessed on a case-by-case basis according to risk. Only products that meet New Zealand’s import requirements will be eligible for clearance.
Importers are encouraged to consider the commercial risks before importing animal products from Cyprus as the FMD situation is dynamic and evolving.
How does this impact re-export of imported animal products?
Importers should be aware that the export requirements for animal product imported from Cyprus for further manufacturing in New Zealand may have changed. For enquiries about imported product intended for onward export, email tradeandinternationalrelations@mpi.govt.nz
