Association urges calm amid outbreak concerns
The president of the Pancyprian Butchers Association, Costas Livadiotis, appeared reassuring but realistic about the potential meat market impact of the virus outbreak.
Speaking on the programme “Mesimeri kai Kati”, he said the scale of the impact will depend entirely on how the situation develops and how widely the virus spreads.
Extent of damage still uncertain
“The market will definitely be affected,” Livadiotis noted, stressing that no one can currently predict the intensity of the damage.
“We may be talking about a marginal impact of 1% to 1.5%, but it could reach 10%, 20% or even more. No one can predict it with certainty,” he said.
He underlined that the sector is taking all necessary measures to ensure the smooth supply of the market and prevent shortages. Authorities have already taken the first step, following approvals from competent services, to allow slaughtering to continue normally so the market does not grind to a halt.
Sector vital for Cyprus economy
Livadiotis highlighted the importance of the sector for the Cypriot economy, noting that meat and milk account for around 5% of the country’s income. He described them as essential goods for consumers and for thousands of businesses.
He referred to butcher shops, the catering sector, meat processing companies and the entire production and processing chain, stressing that the economy must continue to function.
No transmission risk from properly cooked meat
He clarified that animals sent for slaughter are healthy and that properly cooked meat does not transmit the virus.
“There is no need to panic,” he stressed, calling for calm and responsibility. He said authorities must both limit the spread and avoid unnecessary and significant economic damage.
Market operating normally
Asked whether consumption has already declined, the association’s president said sales have not dropped so far.
“The market is operating normally,” he said, adding that even on Saturday, despite concerns raised on Friday, butcher shops functioned as usual.
Regarding imports, he explained that orders from abroad are placed weekly and new quantities are expected as scheduled. Traders and importers will adjust future orders depending on how the situation evolves.
Call for parliamentary coordination
Livadiotis also confirmed that stakeholders have requested an extraordinary meeting of the House Agriculture Committee so that all competent bodies can coordinate and take joint decisions to manage the crisis.
“What matters now is what we do today. The rest we will see later,” he concluded, stressing that immediate management of the situation remains the key priority.
Also read: Emergency plan activated over foot-and-mouth outbreak
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