Larnaca, Cyprus. The president of the Larnaca district self-government organisation (EOA) said decisions on livestock farming must be guided by a clear strategic plan to protect the primary sector amid the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Angelos Hadjicharalambous warned authorities to act quickly to prevent further damage.
Call for targeted containment measures
Hadjicharalambous told CNA the sector was in a “tragic” state due to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and said efforts should focus on containing the disease without automatically slaughtering entire herds where cases are detected. He said only animals confirmed positive for the virus through laboratory tests should be culled.
Support from Larnaca veterinary office
He said staff and equipment from the Larnaca regional veterinary office were available to assist the state and the agriculture ministry in efforts to stop the spread of the disease. “We stand by the livestock farmers every day,” he said, adding that many were desperate as they believed there was no clear plan on how to handle the crisis.
Warning of worsening situation
Hadjicharalambous said final decisions should be based on a specific strategic plan to save the primary sector, which he described as important and in need of protection. He warned the situation could worsen if infections continued to appear in livestock units across Cyprus and said the government should take immediate measures to protect the sector and support farmers trying to safeguard their livelihoods.
New case reported near contamination zone
He referred to a newly confirmed case at a livestock unit in Dromolaxia, on the outskirts of the 10-kilometre contamination zone, saying it had increased concern among farmers.
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