EU commissioner visits Cyprus to assess foot and mouth outbreak response

Larnaca, Cyprus. European Commissioner for animal health and welfare Oliver Varhelyi is visiting Cyprus on Friday to assess the foot and mouth outbreak and how the country is handling it.

Visits and meetings in Larnaca

Varhelyi will visit the Zenon crisis coordination centre in Larnaca before meeting Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and representatives of livestock units affected by foot and mouth.

Talks with agricultural groups and officials

Later in the day, he is expected to meet agricultural organisations, producer representatives, officials from relevant government agencies and MPs.

Meeting at the Presidential Palace

Following his meetings, Varhelyi will be received by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace.

Producers’ requests on slaughter policy

Earlier this week, Christodoulides spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding producers’ requests not to slaughter asymptomatic animals.

What steps do you think should be taken to balance disease control and producers’ concerns?