A scientific study prepared by the Scientific Committee for the Reconstruction of Cyprus' Livestock Sector, chaired by Dr Stavros Malas, highlights deep-rooted structural problems and suggests a long road ahead for the sector's recovery.
The draft report was presented during a meeting at the Cyprus Institute and, following discussion, is expected to be submitted to President Nikos Christodoulides within the coming days.
The committee's work was commissioned following the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which has severely affected Cyprus' livestock sector since the first outbreak was detected on 20 February.
According to figures presented in the study, the disease led to the culling of:
- 52,632 sheep and goats, representing 11.5% of the total population;
- 24,483 pigs (7.8%);
- 3,018 cattle (3.5%).
Low productivity at the centre of concern
According to information obtained by Politis, one of the main pillars of the draft report is the low productivity of Cyprus' sheep and goat farming sector.
A second major finding concerns the weakening of the genetic identity of local livestock populations.
The report also stresses the need to improve the quality of milk production. According to the study, higher-quality Cypriot milk would allow producers to manufacture greater quantities of halloumi using smaller volumes of milk.
Participants attending the presentation were also struck by what they described as the absence of a comprehensive policy strategy for the meat industry.
Another significant finding relates to the lack of research and innovation in the sector. The report points to what it describes as the inadequate development of research programmes aimed at modernising livestock production and supporting innovation.
Vaccination policy highlighted
On foot-and-mouth disease, the report recommends continuous vaccination programmes in order to significantly reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks.
During discussions, mainly involving representatives of farming organisations, it was argued that the occupied areas' insistence on a vaccination-based approach without mass culling may ultimately push the Republic of Cyprus towards a similar policy of effectively "living with the virus".
Reopening affected farms
A second meeting involving the epidemiological team and Dr Malas took place the same day at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
Among the key issues discussed were plans for the reopening of infected livestock units, including when this might take place, which farmers would qualify and how different regions would be managed.
According to information available, the reopening of affected units is provisionally being targeted for the winter months, although officials stressed that timing remains subject to change.
Criteria reportedly under consideration include:
- Whether livestock farmers have formally declared their intention to resume operations;
- The carrying capacity of affected areas;
- Measures to avoid excessive concentrations of livestock units that could encourage the rapid spread of future outbreaks.
Two possible new outbreaks under investigation
The epidemiological situation was also reviewed during the meeting.
Two sheep and goat farms, one in Pentakomo, Limassol district, and another in Avgorou, Famagusta district, are currently being investigated by Veterinary Services to determine whether they constitute new cases of foot-and-mouth disease.
A member of the epidemiological team told Politis:
"These are two cases under investigation. They have not yet been classified as outbreaks. They are being assessed and official announcements will follow when there is something to announce."
If both units are confirmed as infected, the total number of affected livestock holdings will rise to 123.
Such a development would also mark the presence of foot-and-mouth disease in eastern Limassol and the free Famagusta district.
The last confirmed outbreak was recorded on 10 June.
Compensation delays draw criticism
At the same time, frustration is growing among agricultural organisations over delays in compensation payments to affected livestock farmers.
According to complaints from farming representatives, a number of compensation cases have stalled because Veterinary Services Director Christodoulos Pipis has been on sick leave for approximately two weeks.
Agricultural groups say it remains unclear when he will return to work and question why alternative arrangements have not been put in place.
Because the compensation files are reportedly being handled directly by Pipis, several applications have not progressed.
"After the director of Veterinary Services, is there only chaos? Is there nobody who can replace him?" a representative of the agricultural movement told Politis.
A sector facing major reform
The Malas committee's draft report paints a challenging picture of Cyprus' livestock sector, arguing that recovery from the foot-and-mouth crisis will require more than the replenishment of animal stocks.
The findings point to longstanding issues involving productivity, breeding practices, milk quality, research capacity and strategic planning, suggesting that substantial reforms will be needed if the sector is to emerge stronger from the crisis.
