Nicosia: The latest situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease and the concerns of livestock farmers will be addressed in two consecutive meetings at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday. Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis informed CNA about the scheduled discussions on Saturday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the first meeting will have the President of the Republic briefed by the epidemiological team and Veterinary Services on the recent developments concerning foot-and-mouth disease. The focus will be on reviewing and assessing the measures implemented so far, including support measures for livestock farmers. Attendees will include the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, along with the Ministry's Director General.
A subsequent meeting will engage livestock farmers and agricultural organizations, where issues pertinent to the farmers will be discussed. This includes matters raised by the newly established 'Voice of Livestock Farmers'. The discussion aims to ensure compliance with regulations, legislation, and protocols while allowing organizations to present proposals and concerns for examination based on documented evidence.
The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak initially affected livestock units in Larnaca and later spread to the Nicosia district, with the first case reported on February 20. The disease further spread to Limassol in May, following an earlier outbreak in the Turkish-occupied areas of the island last December. Authorities have launched a nationwide vaccination campaign to contain the virus. EU regulations require culling of all animals in infected areas, impacting livestock farming and agricultural economic activities. Cyprus' top agricultural export, Halloumi, remains unaffected. Experts emphasize that FMD poses no danger to humans.