Nicosia, Cyprus. The head of the special scientific committee for upgrading of the livestock sector, Stavros Malas, said extensive economic activity by some livestock breeders with those in the north was one of the reasons behind the foot and mouth disease crisis. He warned that if trade with the north continues, the entire livestock population on the island will be at risk.
Crisis factors
Speaking to CyBC radio, Malas said another cause of the crisis was what he described as anarchic planning and the concentration of livestock units in specific areas.
Following outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in December in the north, the viral disease was confirmed in the Republic on Feb. 20 on a cattle farm near Larnaca. Since then, it has been found on 120 farming units nationwide, including 103 sheep and goat farms, with most cases in Larnaca, followed by Nicosia and smaller clusters in Limassol.
Concerns over containment
Malas said not killing infected animals would increase the risk of the virus spreading further.
Farmers staged a demonstration on Friday at the GSP stadium and outside the presidential palace over the government’s foot and mouth disease policy. Two meetings are due to be held at the presidential palace on Tuesday on the issue, one with the state veterinary service and one with farmers.
Burial procedures
On the burial of dead animals and objections from local authorities, Malas said any decisions should be scientifically documented and that state services should operate on the basis of data, not on the basis of who owns the plot.
Complaints have been raised in Larnaca and parts of Nicosia over the burial of infected animals, including claims that animals were thrown into uncovered skips and that pits were created near residential areas.
At the end of June, Malas said he will submit a proposal to President Niko Christodoulides for the rebuilding of the livestock sector, in the hope that there will be no active virus at least until the end of the year.
