Brussels, Belgium. The European Commission reiterated that culling is the primary response to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, while confirming that limited exceptions may be applied under strict conditions. The Commission said rapid containment measures are essential to control the spread of the disease.
Commission stance on containment measures
In a statement to the Cyprus Mail, a European Commission spokesperson said that to return to normality as quickly as possible, all animals in infected farms must be culled. The spokesperson added that there must be a standstill on the movement of animals and their products in the surrounding zones, and that reinforced biosecurity and surveillance measures are required.
Risk of rapid and long-distance spread
The spokesperson said foot-and-mouth disease can spread quickly and over long distances, posing risks beyond individual farms. They said it can affect other animals in the herd, establishment and even region, and that it is transmitted through air and wind, increasing the risk of neighbouring farms becoming infected.
Scientific basis for protocols
The Commission said its approach is based on established scientific knowledge and experience in managing outbreaks. The spokesperson said protocols and laws governing animal diseases are based on long-standing scientific expertise and practical experience, and that this is the only effective way of bringing the situation under control.
Discussion in Cyprus and limited derogations
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions in Cyprus over how best to manage potential risks to indigenous livestock populations. The Commission noted that EU legislation provides for derogations from the standard “stamping out” policy requiring immediate culling of animals on infected farms, but only in specific and tightly controlled circumstances.
Conditions for postponing culling
One option allows authorities to postpone the killing of animals following a risk assessment, provided emergency vaccination is applied and additional measures are taken to mitigate risk.
How do you think Cyprus should balance rapid containment measures with protection of indigenous livestock populations?
