More than 25 to 30 livestock units are affected by the foot-and-mouth virus,” stated the Mayor of Aradippou, Christodoulos Partou, in comments to journalists, adding that there is also talk of just as many scattered units outside the two livestock zones of the area. He acknowledged that “things are difficult,” but noted that “we will continue to fight” for the sake of Cyprus' economy.
During a broad coordination meeting held at the Veterinary Services in Nicosia, a decision to establish a coordinating body under the Director of the Veterinary Services was taken. All relevant authorities participated, according to the Director‑General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Andreas Grigoriou, who spoke after the meeting.
The meeting, according to the Cyprus News Agency CNA was convened following instructions from Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, also included the Director‑General of the Ministry of the Interior, Elikkos Elias, as well as representatives from the National Guard, the Police, the Fire Service, the Game and Fauna Service, the Department of Forests and the Veterinary Services.
Grigoriou thanked all services for their immediate response, noting that the purpose was to discuss the effective implementation of measures to prevent the disease from spreading to other healthy livestock units.
He stated that the creation of a coordinating body under the Director of the Veterinary Services, together with all involved authorities, was agreed in order to ensure that the measures already decided will be implemented so that the virus does not spread further.
The Director‑General of the Ministry of Agriculture stressed that livestock farmers must apply biosecurity measures within their own units to protect their animals. “We are all working together to limit the scale of the problem that already exists in our country,” he added.
"Very difficult"
Grigoriou described the situation as “very difficult”, explaining that this was the reason the meeting was convened. He expressed hope that positive results will follow.
He also reminded that, following communication by the Director of the Veterinary Services, European experts are expected to arrive in Cyprus, possibly on Tuesday. They will meet with veterinarians and Veterinary Services officials to discuss any additional measures that may be required.
When asked whether the involvement of the Customs Department is necessary, given the possibility that the virus may have originated from areas not under the control of the Republic through animal feed, Mr Grigoriou said that information has been provided and the Police have begun an investigation.
Investigative team formed
An investigative team has been formed by members of the Larnaca Police Directorate in relation to the foot‑and‑mouth outbreak, according to the spokesperson of the Larnaca Police Directorate, Spyros Chrysostomou.
“Following today’s meeting at Police Headquarters, an investigative team has been set up by members of the Larnaca Police Directorate,” Chrysostomou stated.
He noted that “the scope of the investigation is broad, covering all aspects of the incidents, with the aim of determining whether any criminal or other offences have been committed by any involved party.”
Source: CNA