Nicosia, Cyprus. The customs department, working with police, has opened an investigation into a 75-year-old over alleged illegal trafficking of hay and animal feed from the north. Authorities said the allegations remain unconfirmed.
Tip triggers coordinated investigation
The inquiry follows an anonymous tip received on Thursday indicating the individual was likely transporting hay and animal feed through unauthorised crossing points, customs spokesperson George Constantinou said on Friday.
Constantinou said the individual had recently been involved in smuggling tobacco products from the north, a case resolved with an out-of-court settlement of €13,000.
“We were deeply alarmed and informed the police so coordinated actions could be taken to see whether the information is correct and if we can link it to the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease,” Constantinou said.
Authorities stressed that the allegations have not been confirmed. “At this moment what exists is information and speculation,” Constantinou added.
Evidence collection and disease-control measures
Constantinou said that, if confirmed, any evidence linking the specific products to the virus will be collected. “It takes time, it takes a lot of effort, and we will do everything possible to make it happen,” he said.
The investigation comes amid a wider outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in government-controlled areas, confirmed to be the same serotype as that circulating in the north.
Veterinary services have introduced emergency measures including lockdowns of livestock farms, vaccination of cattle within a three-kilometre protection zone, and inoculations extending to a 10-kilometre surveillance area.
Marios Christoforou of the veterinary services highlighted the role of animal feed in spreading the virus.
What steps do you think authorities should prioritise to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease?
