Larnaca residents raise concerns over burial of livestock culled in foot and mouth disease response

Larnaca, Cyprus. Residents in Larnaca have raised concerns over the burial of livestock culled as part of efforts to contain foot and mouth disease, citing the handling of carcasses and sanitary conditions at disposal sites.

Residents’ complaints

Local reports said dead animals had remained exposed in an open trench since last weekend and had not been buried in line with required procedures. Residents said the carcasses had been “simply thrown” into the ditch and warned that strong odours were already developing, adding that conditions could worsen as temperatures rise.

Veterinary Services response

The Veterinary Services rejected claims that protocols had been ignored, saying all required measures were followed during the latest culling and burial operations in the district.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the services said the burial site had been selected in consultation with the relevant authorities, including the Environment department, the Water Development Department and the geological survey service.

Officials said the animals were placed in a trench after the necessary assessments and that the carcasses were covered in accordance with established sanitary requirements.

Site inspections

The Veterinary Services said the burial area is located away from residential communities and livestock units and has been inspected regularly since the animals were interred.

According to officials, an on-site inspection later found that recent heavy rainfall had caused erosion of the clay covering parts of the burial site.

“Instructions were immediately given to place additional clay on the burial site,” the Veterinary Services said, adding that all animal burial locations in both the Larnaca and Nicosia districts are continuously monitored and that corrective measures are taken whenever needed.

The complaints come amid broader scrutiny of how carcasses from infected livestock are being managed during the ongoing outbreak.