The state will stand and does stand by all those affected by the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis has said, adding that the overwhelming majority of political forces agreed that the surest and quickest way to overcome the crisis is through the faithful application and implementation of the protocols.
He was speaking following the conclusion of the National Council meeting on 23 March.
In the meantime, a new positive case at a sheep and goat farm has been identified within the infected area in Geri.
Asked whether the FMD was also discussed during the session, Letymbiotis answered in the affirmative, particularly, as he said, in light of the meeting between the President of the Republic and the President of the European Commission, and regarding the clear support of the European Union and the European Commission for Cyprus, for the measures that have been decided and communicated through European Commission co-financing, or through the technical assistance of experts and scientists from the EU, at all stages of implementing what the protocols require.
“What has been expressed in many instances during this discussion is that there is, at least among the overwhelming majority of political forces, a shared view that the surest way, the quickest way to overcome this major crisis in livestock farming, in the primary sector, is solely through the faithful application and implementation of the protocols, to limit the spread of this animal disease as much as possible, so that we can move on to the next, very important stage: having our country deemed safe again and enabling the resumption of activities for those affected. The state will stand, and does stand, by the side of all those affected,” he noted in this regard.
Asked to comment on reports regarding the transport of animals to other areas and whether the measures were ultimately insufficient, the Spokesperson said he was not in a position to confirm or deny any such reports. “What I do know is that there are competent services and authorities investigating these allegations, which is why I have said that I neither deny nor confirm them,” he explained.
And of course, he added, “it of concern if such a thing is true, and of course it is something we must assess", pointing out that "it is yet another reason and yet another role for all of us at every level to recognise the urgent need for protocols to be not only respected but adopted by everyone.”
“Because, I repeat, if there was one thing the Commissioner made clear during both of his visits to our country and in his meeting with political leaders, it is that the quickest way and the shortest path out of this major crisis is through faithful adherence to all the protocols implemented by the European Union,” he stressed.
In response to a journalist’s observation that it appears protocols were violated and when asked who is responsible, Letymbiotis said that there is a series of measures that must be followed regarding biosecurity, whether they concern the Authorities, the Veterinary Services, or the affected parties themselves and those who support them.
He added that one issue that had been raised repeatedly in recent days is the recommendation to avoid large gatherings, “because each and every one of us can become a carrier of this disease and transmit it, contributing either intentionally or unintentionally to the spread of a zoonotic disease, which is spreading very rapidly, as we are informed by the relevant experts.”
Asked how it is ensured that the measures taken in the areas under government control are also implemented in the Turkish occupied areas so that the virus does not return from the occupied areas, the Spokesperson said that this was a matter about which the Commissioner responsible was also asked when he was in the country a few days ago, and regarding which he himself has made the same remarks about the actions the European Commission is taking, has taken and will take in this regard.
“Certainly, this is something we must examine because, as we have said many times, when there are requirements or when there are benefits on the part of the European Union—and this certainly applies to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and the primary sector— there must also be compliance with the necessary protocols,” he added.
New positive case in Geri
Meanwhile, a new positive case at a sheep and goat farm has been identified within the infected area in Geri, based on Monday’s laboratory results.
According to an update from the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of 725 animals have been infected, while the total number of affected farms has reached 45. For her part, spokesperson for Veterinary Services, Senior Veterinary Officer Sotiria Georgiadou, referring to cases of animal transport, said that all information brought to the attention of the Veterinary Services is being investigated.
In statements on 23 March in Nicosia, Georgiadou said that the culling of animals continued on Monday in Livadia. So far, she said, approximately 22,600 sheep and goats and 1,500 cattle have been culled, while vaccinations have reached 98% of the cattle population and 72% of the sheep and goat population. At the same time, she continued, the second booster dose of the vaccine is being administered, a process that began last week and is proceeding according to the previous vaccination schedule.
Asked about compensation, Georgiadou said that those who choose to resume their activities will receive compensation for both lost income and their livestock, while those who do not wish to resume their activities will receive compensation for the value of their livestock.
Regarding cases involving the transport of animals, Georgiadou said that reports had been made of illegal transport or illegal facilities. “You understand that all information brought to the attention of the Veterinary Services is investigated,” she added, noting that in some cases offences are found, in others the allegations prove to be unfounded, while in others “we have results.”
About these specific cases, she said one involves a herd of 130 cows at an illegal facility in Livadia, while the second case is the one identified in Geri, where the animals have been euthanised. She also mentioned two other cases, one involving approximately 100 animals in Tseri, Lakatamia, and the other in Potamia. “Samples have been taken from these two cases; results are pending, and statements have been taken to determine how the case will proceed. Because we need to document where the animals were found,” she added.
Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, were affected in several livestock units in Larnaca district, following a food and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, first reported on 20 February. 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.
(Source: CNA)
