Nicosia, Cyprus. Three experts from the European Commission are expected in Cyprus on Tuesday and Wednesday to help address the foot and mouth outbreak, as culling of cows, sheep and goats begins. Authorities expect 13,000 animals to be put down over the next few days.
European Commission visit and response measures
Senior officer of the Veterinary Services Soteria Georgiades said the experts would discuss the situation on site and on paper and help take necessary decisions.
Responding to remarks that Veterinary Services had not taken measures in December when an incident was reported in the north, Georgiades said no vaccinations take place if a country is free of the disease. She said the south lost its disease-free status on February 21 and added that the authorities have no control over what happens in the north.
Georgiades said that when the incident appeared on February 20, the World Organisation for Animal Health was informed on February 22. She added that the Veterinary Services contacted the Commission for vaccines on February 22 and the agriculture minister requested them on February 23 so that delivery could begin, along with a team.
She said other measures were already taken, including disinfections at crossing points, notifying farmers and taking samples.
Dairy products, halloumi, and exports
Addressing concerns about dairy products, particularly halloumi, Georgiades said Cyprus is no longer a disease-free country, vaccinations will begin, and discussions will take place to determine which products are affected.
She said some countries had stopped imports from Cyprus but later resumed when Cyprus certified that halloumi had not been affected. She added that large markets such as Canada, the UK and Australia have not reacted.
“Exports continue with various certificates and I hope that we will continue in this manner,” she said.
Cases reported in Larnaca area
Georgiades said there have been 11 incidents, all in the Larnaca area around Livadia, Oroklini, Troulli and Aradippou.
How do you think the outbreak response could affect Cyprus dairy exports in the coming weeks?
