Nicosia, Cyprus. The total culling of animals on farms affected by foot and mouth disease is a legal obligation, the Veterinary Services said on Sunday, urging farmers to strictly implement biosafety measures. The services said EU regulations on culling do not allow derogations.
Legal basis for culling
In response to a memorandum from a group of protesting farmers, the Veterinary Services said universal culling is a legal obligation that applies to all farm animals, not only those with positive clinical or laboratory findings. The services said foot and mouth disease is a category A disease and that total culling is necessary to protect public interest and health in EU member states.
Compensation and payments
The Veterinary Services said farmers whose animals were culled before Easter have already received an advance payment for loss of income and full compensation for milk and animal feed. Farmers whose animals were culled after Easter will be paid in April.
Hay that was destroyed will be compensated in full through a separate process. The services said compensation per animal will be decided in due course based on market value.
Funding and recovery measures
The Veterinary Services said a financial package of €28 million has been approved for compensation and that payments have been ongoing since March. The services said restoring the livestock population is also being examined.
Laboratory testing dispute
The Veterinary Services defended their laboratory findings after some farmers demanded private testing, arguing that state testing was illegal.
What biosafety measures are you taking on your farm to help prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease?
