Cyprus has announced a series of new measures to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease following a meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides, the epidemiological team and agricultural organisations at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday.
The measures include the immediate completion of animal culling in infected farms, increased compensation for sheep and goat farmers, stricter penalties for illegal animal movements and transactions involving the occupied areas, expanded testing procedures and the rapid completion of the nationwide vaccination programme.
Agricultural organisations welcomed the measures, while the newly formed farmers’ association “Voice of Farmers” also expressed broad satisfaction with the outcome.
Faster culling and expanded testing
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said the first decision is the immediate completion of culling operations in farms where the virus has been confirmed.
She estimated that the process could be completed within the next few days.
Authorities will also begin using both PCR and ELISA testing methods in areas where active outbreaks remain. Results will be assessed by the epidemiological team, which will determine how the testing methods will be utilised going forward.
Nationwide vaccination campaign continues
The minister said efforts are continuing to complete the nationwide vaccination campaign as quickly as possible.
According to the latest figures:
- 84% of cattle have received a second vaccine dose
- 78% of sheep and goats have received a second dose
- 41% of pigs have received a second dose
The vaccination programme remains a central part of Cyprus’ strategy to contain foot-and-mouth disease.
Harsher penalties for illegal animal movements
The government is also moving to strengthen enforcement measures.
A proposal due to be submitted to the Council of Ministers on Thursday includes administrative fines of up to €100,000 and court-imposed penalties of up to €250,000 for illegal transactions involving animals and unauthorised movements linked to the occupied areas.
The minister added that inspections will intensify, with greater involvement from the Police and the National Guard to ensure compliance with biosecurity measures.
Increased compensation for farmers
Further increases in compensation for sheep and goat farmers were also announced.
The exact level of compensation will be assessed in the coming days as authorities continue consultations with affected livestock producers.
At the same time, separate teams will continue carrying out culling operations, vaccinations and sample collection to improve efficiency and prevent delays.
Regular communication and border controls
The epidemiological team will now hold at least one weekly meeting with Veterinary Services and another with livestock farmers and agricultural organisations.
The minister also announced that public updates on foot-and-mouth disease matters will be provided by experts Dimitris Tsaltas, Dimitris Epaminondas and Stavros Malas.
In addition, authorities will strengthen checks at crossing points to prevent the illegal movement of animal products into government-controlled areas.
Also read: Christodoulides visit to Kazakhstan begins with first direct flight
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