Nicosia: The need for strict and uniform implementation of European protocols to tackle foot and mouth disease (FMD) across the whole of Cyprus, including the island's Turkish-occupied areas, was highlighted by the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, during a meeting on Monday with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen, according to a House announcement.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting took place on the occasion of Hansen's participation in the Informal Meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers, held in Nicosia under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Demetriou said effective containment of the disease requires the implementation of measures across the entire territory, calling for EU support to ensure their application also in the occupied areas, with the aim of safeguarding animal health. She added that EU funding 'is the minimum', stressing that the priority is the sustainability of the livestock sector.
The discussion also focused on the ongoing crisis in the sector due to the spread of the disease, despite measures already taken. Demetriou underlined the need to strengthen prevention and containment efforts and to accelerate the vaccination programme. She also pointed to the need to reassess relevant protocols for island member states such as Cyprus, taking into account their specific geographical and epidemiological conditions.
For his part, Hansen referred to similar challenges faced by other EU member states, noting that the issue will be discussed at European level with a view to shaping a common response. He also stressed the importance of supporting the agricultural and livestock sectors, as well as investing in research to develop targeted vaccines and prevention tools.
Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, have been affected in several livestock units, initially in Larnaca and later in Nicosia district, following an FMD outbreak first reported on February 20. The outbreak followed earlier cases 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.