Cyprus’s Veterinary Services have issued clarifications following reports on authorities' reaction to the outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease, as well as ahead of a planned protest by livestock farmer on Saturday
In a statement, the authorities warned that the gathering of large numbers of people significantly increases the risk of the virus spreading, urging responsibility and cooperation to contain the disease.
They stressed that inspections are not carried out randomly, but are targeted at identifying potential animal movements linked to confirmed cases, with the aim of protecting herds and limiting transmission.
Protest could spread virus
The Veterinary Services said they wished to clarify key points amid recent concerns and the planned protest, noting that the concentration of farmers could sharply increase the spread of the virus. The goal, they said, is proper information and cooperation so that both farmers and veterinarians can effectively manage the situation.
Authorities emphasised that inspections and sampling are conducted for specific reasons, not arbitrarily. Their purpose is to detect possible movements of animals that may be connected to confirmed cases. This helps safeguard herds and contain the spread of the disease. There are no restrictions on the timing of inspections and sampling.
Laboratory tests detect antibodies to the virus. Officials underlined that antibodies resulting from vaccination are not considered a positive case. Veterinarians are able to distinguish between vaccine-induced antibodies and those caused by an actual infection.
To avoid unnecessary travel and overcrowding, the Veterinary Services said they have been informing farmers since December 15 through the distribution of informational material, SMS messages and other means.
They also noted that 24/7 telephone lines are operating in each district to provide assistance and clarification.
Under existing legislation, veterinarians have the right to enter premises where animals are kept in order to carry out necessary checks. This, the statement said, is not intended to inconvenience farmers but to protect the entire sector.
Threat of fines
While veterinarians do not seek to penalise anyone, the authorities stressed that failure to comply with procedures or obstruction of inspections could result in the loss of compensation rights and fines of up to €5,000.
Compliance, they added, ultimately protects farmers themselves.
The statement concluded that the crisis can only be overcome through cooperation. The faster protocols are followed, the sooner a return to normality can be achieved.
“Veterinarians and farmers are not opponents but allies on the same side,” it said, stressing the shared goal of healthy livestock and safe production for the stability of the sector.
Protest at presidential palace
Meanwhile, groups of livestock farmers have scheduled a protest march towards the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
According to a notice circulated on social media, the gathering point will be the GSP Stadium at 10am. Farmers say they are mobilising to express anger over the culling of asymptomatic animals, sampling procedures being carried out on vaccinated livestock, and what they describe as a lack of clear answers regarding compensation.