New decree expected today
A new decree easing restrictions introduced in response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is expected to be issued later today, as Cyprus prepares to relax some of its foot-and-mouth measures following an improved epidemiological assessment.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), President of the Cyprus Veterinary Association and member of the epidemiological team, Dimitris Epaminondas, said authorities are working to publish the updated measures after assessing requests submitted by livestock organisations.
He said the decision is based on the current epidemiological picture, which has allowed officials to move forward with relaxing some foot-and-mouth restrictions.
All surveillance samples negative
Epaminondas said around 70 surveillance samples had recently been collected, with all returning negative results.
He added that the vaccination programme is continuing as planned, alongside ongoing testing and monitoring.
Compensation payments progressing
Regarding compensation for farmers affected by the culling of animals, as well as payments related to animal feed and other costs, Epaminondas said around 90% of payments are expected to be completed by Friday.
The remaining payments are scheduled to be processed next week, with the exception of a small number of more complex cases.
He explained that some livestock units faced issues relating to required animal identification markings. However, following guidance from the Legal Service, those matters have now been clarified and compensation payments are proceeding normally.
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