The stable epidemiological situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease that has prevailed in recent days has paved the way for discussions about certain relaxations.

During today’s weekly meeting of livestock farmers, veterinary services, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the epidemiological team, some preliminary easing measures were agreed upon.

“Various issues were discussed, which will be finalized next week; once everything is finalized, they will be included in the new decree that may be issued. We are in a stable situation because no new cases have been identified so far.”
Dimitris Epameinondas—Member of the Epidemiological Committee

The livestock farmers’ request for relaxed grazing restrictions was rejected because not enough new samples have yet been collected on a pan-Cypriot basis. The new decree may also include provisions imposing penalties on livestock farmers who refuse to have their animals vaccinated.

What Was Agreed Upon

A compromise was reached regarding the transport of animals as well as additional compensation for livestock farmers.

“When you impose certain restrictions, you also have to factor in the costs you impose on livestock farmers, and these people must be compensated.”
Kyriakos Kailas

“They will be able to transport more than 1 unit to slaughterhouses throughout Cyprus. They will be able to transport animals belonging to the same owner or representative within the same zones, and livestock markets should be opened to relieve the pressure on the units.”
Neophytos Neophytou

For those livestock farmers who will not receive compensation for the animals culled from their own facilities, but only for those registered in the veterinary services’ records, an opinion was sought from the legal department regarding an exemption from the legislation, with the aim of compensating them for the exact number of animals they lost.

“They sacrificed their animals to help manage the epidemiological situation, in which we had infected animals, but they were unaware that there was a possibility they might not be compensated; our demand is that, since the animals were euthanized, they be compensated.”
Neophytos Neophytou

The legal opinion from the legal department is expected to be issued by Monday. If it is negative, several of the livestock farmers are expected to take legal action.

Watch Eleni Michael’s report: