Veterinary services and livestock farmers continue talks over foot and mouth outbreak

Nicosia, Cyprus. Veterinary services and livestock farmers continued consultations on Monday over the foot and mouth disease outbreak, in a meeting that lasted more than two hours, veterinary services director Christodoulos Pipis said.

Containment measures

The meeting at the veterinary services headquarters focused on the next steps in managing the outbreak and the measures in force in affected areas. Both sides agreed not to make public statements until consultations are completed, and discussions are expected to continue.

Rising tension

The talks come amid increasing tension over containment measures and livestock culls in the Limassol and Larnaca districts.

Last week, the veterinary association warned that vets could suspend foot and mouth testing unless police protection is provided during field visits.

Association president Demetris Epaminondas cited threats and incidents involving veterinary staff.

“We will not wait until we have victims,” Epaminondas said.

He described an incident in Limassol in which individuals allegedly entered a livestock unit during sampling procedures and told veterinarians to “disappear from here if you value your lives”.

Latest outbreak response

The latest consultations followed the confirmation last week of a new infected livestock unit in Pachna, in the Limassol district.

Authorities proceeded with the culling of animals at the site and established protection and surveillance zones around the area.