The new platform for managing foot-and-mouth disease began operating on Monday. Through this platform, citizens can obtain an electronic travel permit both for travel throughout Cyprus and for specific trips within areas where restrictive measures are in effect. However, this permit is valid for 24 hours from the time it is signed or for a shorter period, as determined by the Veterinary Officer/Inspector. 

Speaking on the program “Alpha News,” the President of the Association “The Voice of Livestock Farmers,” Neophytos Neophytou, expressed his concern about how older citizens will use the new app. He also added that if an emergency arises for a citizen and their permit has expired, they will be fined.

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He noted that it is necessary to ease restrictions as long as the epidemiological situation remains favorable, adding that the situation is improving. As he noted, livestock farmers hope that they will be granted permission for free grazing within the week.

Another measure that, in his view, the government should implement is to cover the cost of feeding animals that were kept in confinement.

In his own remarks on the issue, Dimitris Epameinondas, President of the Pan-Cyprian Veterinary Association, explained that this platform replaces paper permits, adding that the permit’s duration has been changed to 24 hours so that each livestock farmer’s commitment can be renewed. He noted that, should any problems be identified, action will be taken to correct them. 

When asked where roadblocks had been set up, Mr. Epameinondas stated that they are not present at all locations; however, there are some locations where automatic sprayers have been installed, and human supervision is not required.

He noted that this week, the relevant authorities are inspecting all disinfection stations to reassess which ones will be retained, which will be removed, and which will have additional disinfection stations or security guards added.

Regarding the easing of grazing restrictions, Mr. Epameinondas stated that these are among the requests that have been submitted to the relevant authorities, noting that a meeting will be held within the week and announcements will be made that will address not only this specific issue but also broader concerns.

Regarding the epidemiological situation, he emphasized that “we are at a stable point; the situation will largely depend on the upcoming testing and what emerges in the areas where a percentage of the population has been tested, but the entire province has not yet been tested.”