The head of the Special Scientific Committee for the Reconstruction and Upgrading of the Livestock Sector, Stavros Malas, is meeting a delegation of farmers on Saturday morning to discuss the ongoing foot and mouth disease outbreak.
Malas, who also serves as President of the Cyprus Institute, is expected to update farmers on the course of the disease and outline the next steps, aiming to address mounting concerns within the sector.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Thursday, on the sidelines of an event at the Cyprus Institute, Malas said there are indications that the spread of the disease is being contained. However, he stressed that checks must be completed in affected areas to determine the full extent of the outbreak.
He added that vaccination efforts have contributed to limiting the spread of the disease.
Malas also sought to reassure farmers about the long-term impact on livestock, stating that while the breed itself is not at risk of disappearing, its genetic biodiversity could be affected. He underlined that maintaining larger animal populations is key to preserving that diversity.
Addressing tensions within the farming community, he urged producers to disregard claims suggesting that there is an attempt to undermine the country’s livestock sector.
According to data from the Veterinary Services, 39,810 sheep and goats and 2,247 cattle had been culled as of Thursday.
In addition, the culling process in all three pig farms has been completed, with a total of 24,483 pigs destroyed.
Source: CNA