Nicosia: The government is managing the foot-and-mouth disease crisis with "a plan, determination and full operational coordination," Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said on Wednesday, assuring livestock farmers that "no one is left alone."
According to Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou, speaking after an emergency meeting at the Agriculture Ministry with representatives of key livestock and dairy sectors, announced the launch of vaccinations based on a specific strategy. She stressed that production and exports of halloumi-the country's flagship export product-are not at risk from the outbreak and rejected criticism of delays following the initial case detected in the northern, Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.
"The situation is being addressed with seriousness, a plan and full awareness of the importance of the primary sector for the economy and society," she said, pointing out that the immediate priority is to contain the spread of the disease and provide meaningful support to affected producers.
The meeting brought together representatives of the pig farming sector, the cheesemaking industry, sheep and goat producers, and cattle breeders, reflecting the full spectrum of the livestock and dairy sectors affected by the outbreak.
"The government stands decisively by the people of production and by our rural communities. No one is left alone and no sector will be left exposed," she said, adding that protection of production and support for farmers are being implemented through concrete actions and coordinated interventions.
Panayiotou stressed that strict adherence to biosecurity measures is crucial to limiting the disease, describing them as a key tool that must be applied by every unit. She added that veterinary services have taken all necessary steps in coordination with third countries and the European Union to safeguard halloumi exports, which are vital to the country's export strength.
She noted ongoing cooperation with scientific experts and European institutions to ensure that vaccinations and other measures are based on scientific evidence and best European practices. Referring to the visiting team of experts sent by the European Commission, she said it had been clarified that meat and dairy products remain safe for consumption even after vaccination.
Fourteen state services are involved in crisis management, operating around the clock at the coordination centre and at control and disinfection points.
Outlining the action plan, Panayiotou said it is based on specific veterinary regulations for managing infectious animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth. A second pillar is the coordination centre and its control and disinfection checkpoints, staffed 24 hours a day. A third key element is the vaccination programme, the strategy for which was defined during a late-night meeting with EU experts.
She also confirmed that no EU country has carried out preventive vaccinations and that Cyprus followed the prescribed procedures to secure vaccine supplies.
Addressing criticism over alleged delays, the Minister said all stakeholders were informed from the outset and surveillance measures were implemented in units near the Green Line. Testing increased sharply after the outbreak, with nearly 2,000 sheep and significant numbers of cattle examined, all negative until the end of January.
Regarding milk transport, she said a controlled tanker programme was introduced following a veterinary risk assessment. Tankers were accompanied by veterinarians, disinfected and operated under strict protocols. Milk is pasteurised and halloumi production involves boiling at over 90°C, ensuring sterilisation.