Larnaca, Cyprus. Larnaca municipality said livestock farmers affected by the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease can contact a dedicated hotline to receive psychological support. The service was announced on Wednesday.
Hotline and support services
The municipality said the aim is to provide psychological support to those in need and to ensure the timely management of any needs arising from the situation. The hotline has been established in cooperation with the mental health directorate of the state health services (Okypy).
Affected farmers can contact the hotline via 24 818706 from Monday to Friday, 07.30 am to 3 pm, or via 94 069682, which operates 24/7.
Outbreak response measures
The Republic is battling an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, with a total of 14,000 animals affected by the disease set for culling, according to figures from the agriculture ministry.
A national action plan and a crisis management centre have been put in place, and emergency compensation payments to farmers amount to around €4.5 million.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the outbreak and considered using the psychological support hotline?