The latest situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease, the implementation of measures and the issues raised by livestock farmers’ and agricultural organisations will be discussed in two consecutive meetings at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 2 June Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis has said.
He said that during the first meeting, the President of the Republic will be briefed by the epidemiological team and the Veterinary Services on the latest developments regarding foot-and-mouth disease.
The meeting will also review and assess the measures taken so far, including support measures for livestock farmers.
According to Letymbiotis, the meeting will be attended, among others, by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Ministry’s Director General.
A second meeting will follow with livestock farmers’ and agricultural organisations, during which the issues concerning livestock farmers will be raised, including matters put forward by the recently founded “Voice of Livestock Farmers”, while ensuring full compliance with regulations, legislation and protocols.
The aim, he said, is to hold a discussion and exchange views, with the organisations presenting proposals and concerns, so that the issues raised can be examined on a documented and evidence-based basis.
Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, were affected in several livestock units initially in Larnaca and then in Nicosia district, following a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, first reported on February 20. FMD spread to Limassol in May.
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)
