Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Veterinary Services Respond to Farmers

The Veterinary Services have responded to a memorandum from farmers regarding Foot-and-Mouth Disease, emphasizing the need to adhere to biosecurity measures. In a public statement, they clarify that the total culling of animals in affected farms is a legal obligation, according to Regulation (EU) 2020/687, and does not allow for any deviation.

Regarding compensation, eligible farmers whose animals were culled before Easter have already received an advance payment and compensation for milk and animal feed, while the rest will be paid in April. Compensation for hay destruction will be paid in the coming weeks. The cost of compensation per animal is being discussed in the Special Advisory Committee.

The Veterinary Services emphasize that the laboratory investigation of samples is carried out by an accredited laboratory and investigation by private laboratories is not provided for. A financial package of €28 million has been approved for compensation. The Veterinary Services call on farmers to implement biosecurity measures and avoid gatherings.

More information is available on the website www.footandmouth.gov.cy.