Várhelyi: Only full compliance can stop crisis
Full implementation of European Union rules across Cyprus is the only way to contain the foot-and-mouth outbreak quickly and avoid major losses for farmers, EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliver Várhelyi said after meetings in Nicosia on Friday.
He made the remarks after talks with Nikos Christodoulides and other competent authorities, stressing that strict adherence to EU regulations is necessary to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Strict rules for affected farms
Várhelyi said that the rules for farms where cases have been detected are clear and very strict. All animals must be culled and their meat cannot be used under any circumstances, in line with EU health protocols.
He also called on the public to stay away from affected areas, warning that only those directly involved in livestock operations should enter farms where outbreaks have been confirmed.
Avoiding economic damage
According to the commissioner, failure to fully apply the measures could lead to significant economic losses for livestock farmers and prolong the crisis. He stressed that cooperation between authorities, farmers and the public is essential to control the outbreak as quickly as possible.
Also read: Foot-and-mouth disease: Maria Panayiotou welcomed European Commissioner
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
