The Agriculture Ministry has entered a state of emergency mobilisation after reports of Foot and Mouth Disease cases in a cattle unit in occupied Lapathos in the Famagusta district. Minister Maria Panayiotou has called an emergency meeting today for better coordination of all involved parties from production to dairy product trade.
A three-hour meeting at Veterinary Services on 22 December brought together agricultural organisations, dairy industries and veterinarians, where epidemiological data and disease symptoms were presented. “We will do everything in our power to prevent an incident in the free areas,” livestock farmers’ representatives said, recognising the critical nature of the situation.
Veterinary Services has called on all involved to apply biosecurity measures religiously in their farms, warning that economic damage from potential spread would be incalculable.
Authorities have reassured the public that Foot and Mouth Disease is not transmitted to humans. The virus affects only cloven-hoofed animals such as cows, sheep and pigs. There is no risk from consuming livestock products if hygiene rules are observed.
The government has deployed multiple containment measures. Special disinfection infrastructure has been installed at all crossing points to and from the occupied areas, including the British Bases at Pergamos and Strovilia. The Customs Department, Police and UNFICYP are maintaining constant surveillance of the green line for illegal movement of animals and livestock products. Checks have been intensified throughout the milk collection and transport route.
Australia export ban and diplomatic efforts
The seriousness of the situation has taken on international dimensions after Australia removed Cyprus from its list of FMD-free countries, triggering intense diplomatic activity for the reversal of the decision due to the impact on halloumi exports.
The Australian authorities’ decision on 19 December to remove Cyprus from FMD-free countries, based on press reports, prompted immediate reaction from Nicosia.
Veterinary Services, coordinating with the Foreign Ministry and European Commission, sent a documented letter and made representations to the Australian Embassy.
The services notified the EU DG Health, requesting coordinated EU intervention, and sent a letter to Australian authorities requesting reversal of the decision.
Through the Foreign Ministry and directly with the Australian Embassy in Cyprus, Veterinary Services made representations and explanations for the need to reverse the decision.
According to the latest update from Canberra, Australian authorities are examining new data and clarifications sent from Cyprus and the Cheesemakers Association, leaving open the possibility of revising their decision, Veterinary Services said.
When the FMD claims became known, Veterinary Services put staff on full alert and immediately informed the World Organisation for Animal Health and the European Commission.
A key development came with the arrival of the EU Veterinary Experts Team on Friday, 19 December. The experts went to the occupied areas for on-site inspection and situation assessment.
Their findings were discussed in an extensive review with Veterinary Services, concluding that faithful application of the strictest biosecurity measures is the only way to protect the animal population in the free areas.
Source - https://in-cyprus.philenews.com
