Serious complaints over the handling and burial of dead animals in Larnaca have raised concerns about possible public health risks and failures in the implementation of health protocols.
The allegations emerged during Sigma’s “Protoselido” programme, where Sigma correspondent in Larnaca Elena Louka and “Voice of Farmers” president Neophytos Neophytou spoke about what they described as alarming conditions.
Claims of improper burial
Elena Louka described the situation as a “health bomb” in Larnaca district, referring to reports that dead animals have remained exposed in a trench since last Saturday without proper burial.
“They simply threw them into a trench. The image is very disturbing, as is the smell coming from the area,” she said, adding that high temperatures are worsening the situation.
Louka noted that the original European Union protocols had provided for the incineration of the animals rather than burial. However, burial was later chosen due to problems encountered with incineration.
“In the end, it appears even the burial process is not working properly,” she said.
Livestock farmers criticise procedures
Neophytos Neophytou confirmed that he had been informed about the incident and described the scenes as evidence of “carelessness”.
“It looks like a child playing with a bucket, digging a small hole and throwing a bit of sand on top,” he said.
He stressed that burial trenches should be systematically inspected by Veterinary Services and that strict protocols must be followed, including the use of lime, sufficient trench depth and protection of underground water sources.
“What we see here is not a proper protocol and it does not protect the health of people or animals,” he said.
Concerns over management practices
Louka also referred to a second complaint alleging that a vehicle previously used to transport dead animals for burial was later used to carry hay.
Neophytou claimed that other incidents of alleged mismanagement have not been made public, referring to videos and testimonies showing what he described as “disgraceful situations”.
He also criticised President Nikos Christodoulides over comments suggesting livestock farmers were responsible for the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
“The President targeted us in order to justify the services,” he said, questioning whether the movement of Veterinary Services officials across Cyprus is also being examined as a possible factor in the spread of the disease.
Neophytou concluded by saying that livestock farmers do not seek to damage the country or state services, but want proper crisis management and meaningful dialogue with the authorities.
Also read: Farmers plan protest on Friday over poor crisis management
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