Foot-and-Mouth Disease Crisis at Critical Juncture Ahead of Easter

The management of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis in Cyprus is at a critical juncture, just days before Easter. The Pancyprian Veterinary Association and Goat and Sheep Breeders have expressed concerns about the evolving situation.

According to officials, the culling of animals in infected farms has been completed, and the first phase of vaccination has almost been completed nationwide, while the second phase has begun in Larnaca. Farmers are urged to be particularly careful regarding animal movements for slaughter before Easter, and increased measures will be in place at slaughterhouses.

Livestock farmers are also facing a problem with the reduction of feed stocks, due to the ban on movement and grazing outside units, which has increased feed consumption.

The President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, Dimitris Epaminondas, stated that all units with positive cases have been culled, and vaccination is nearing the end of the first phase, with the second phase beginning in Larnaca.

Nikos Chronis from the Coordinating Committee of Goat and Sheep Breeders expressed the farmers' concerns and the need for state support.