Nicosia, Cyprus. The government is taking steps to contain a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and minimise its impact on farmers and the supply chain, deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said on Tuesday. He said vaccines were on the way and the priority was to prevent further spread.
Investigation into spread and buffer zone challenges
Speaking on state TV, Antoniou said investigations would show how the disease spread from the north, adding that “the distances are so small, it was just a matter of time” for it to happen. He said measures were being taken as far as possible due to the particular situation in the buffer zone.
Food safety message and focus on containment
Antoniou said there was no concern from consuming pasteurised milk and its derivatives, and urged the public not to worry or increase tension around the issue. He said the main issue was stopping the disease from spreading.
Measures for farmers and limits on quarantines
Antoniou said the Veterinary Services had taken measures, farmers had been notified to be particularly careful, and preventive measures were in place. He said it was difficult for the state to quarantine so many farms and that a great effort by everyone was needed to contain the disease.
Industry notification and responsibility
Antoniou said the industry had been informed as early as December and measures had been updated. Asked about responsibilities, he said the investigation was not focusing on who was responsible at this stage and that the priority was preventing further spread.
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