Nicosia, Cyprus. Veterinary Services spokeswoman Sotiria Georgiadou outlined the procedures for handling animal carcasses following recent culling measures, describing a regulated process aimed at protecting public health and the environment.
Multi-agency selection of burial sites
Georgiadou told the Cyprus Mail that burial site selection involves assessments by multiple agencies, including the land registry, agricultural authorities, the department of water development, the environment department, veterinary services and the agriculture department.
She said the aim is to identify a suitable location to avoid contamination of groundwater or geological formations.
Construction and sealing of burial pits
Georgiadou said that once a site is approved, excavation is carried out with assistance from the military, which provides machinery. She said each burial pit is built to strict specifications for depth, height and width, and is lined with materials such as clay and lime to ensure sealing and prevent leakage.
She said carcasses are placed in layers alongside disinfectants and sealing materials until the pit reaches a designated level, and then the pit is covered with several metres of soil.
Monitoring after closure
Georgiadou said burial sites are monitored after closure and that it takes years for the soil to fully settle. She added that due to the sealing process, no future environmental problem is expected.
Protection of indigenous breeds
Addressing concerns over indigenous cattle breeds, Georgiadou said efforts are underway to protect them from infection. She said herds in Paphos district have so far tested negative, adding that current sampling in Paphos is clear and that she hopes it remains that way.
She said the issue also extends to safeguarding indigenous breeds of goats and sheep.
Support and compensation for farmers
Georgiadou said plans led by the agriculture department are in place to provide guidance and assistance as part of a broader compensation and recovery package. She said the approved package includes compensation for animals, funding for new livestock purchases, upgrades and income loss, and that Veterinary Services and the agriculture department will provide guidance to farmers on steps to improve productivity.
What steps do you think are most important to ensure both environmental safety and farmer recovery after culling measures?
