Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides met European animal health commissioner Oliver Varhelyi on Friday as authorities pressed for full implementation of strict containment measures to bring Cyprus’ foot and mouth disease outbreak under control.
Meeting at the presidential palace
Varhelyi met Christodoulides at the presidential palace and held talks with ministers and agricultural stakeholders. He said strict adherence to European Union protocols remained the only effective route out of the crisis.
“The measures must be implemented everywhere and in full compliance with EU rules,” he said. “This is the only way to get out of this crisis quickly without significant animal losses and serious financial losses for farmers.”
EU support and coordination
Varhelyi said the European Union would continue to support Cyprus throughout the outbreak, including veterinary expertise, vaccines and financial compensation for affected producers.
“We want to help Cyprus. We will not leave Cyprus and the farmers alone to face this crisis,” he said.
The commissioner returned to the island to review progress after an earlier visit two weeks ago, and said coordination between local veterinary authorities and EU experts was essential as containment efforts intensified.
Risk posed by the disease
Varhelyi said foot and mouth disease remains one of the most dangerous livestock diseases globally because it can spread rapidly across species. He described it as extremely resistant and highly contagious.
“What we are fighting is the strongest and toughest enemy that can exist when it comes to animal health,” he said.
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