Nicosia, Cyprus. Decisions on animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease that belong to rare breeds fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Services, special scientific committee head Stavros Malas said on Thursday. He said there is only a small window for alternative handling, and that it comes with significant reservations.
Veterinary Services authority and limited alternatives
Speaking on the sidelines of an event at the Cyprus Institute, Malas said authorities will weigh all available data, including that the affected unit is only one, while other units with rare breeds remain disease-free. He said a key consideration will be whether culling animals in the affected unit would impact the breed itself, given that another unit has fewer animals.
Genetic biodiversity concerns for rare breeds
Malas said the breed itself is not at risk of extinction, but its genetic biodiversity is at risk, adding that having more animals is better for the breed. Experts have highlighted the risks facing traditional varieties such as the Cyprus fat-tailed sheep and the Red cattle, both of which have limited populations and significant genetic value. Breeders and conservationists have warned that the loss of even a small number of these animals could have lasting consequences.
Message to livestock farmers and upcoming meeting
Malas urged livestock farmers to ignore claims suggesting there is an attempt to destroy the sector, saying farmers should turn a deaf ear to calls by some who engage in scenarios that authorities are trying to undermine livestock farming in the country. He said science would stand by both small and large farmers, particularly sheep and goat breeders who require greater scientific support and understanding.
He said he will meet with a group of independently organised farmers on Saturday, adding that his promise and mission is to provide transparency, explain where matters stand regarding the disease, and respond to their concerns. He said authorities stand next to farmers, not against them.
Vaccination and current spread
Malas said vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease has proven effective, contributing to some containment of its spread. He said the spread has slowed, but checks in already affected areas must be completed to determine the final outcome.
What concerns do you have about how decisions on infected rare-breed animals will be handled?
