EU experts back outbreak status for two Cyprus farms
European Commission veterinarians say two holdings in Avgorou and Pentakomo should be formally classed as foot-and-mouth outbreaks, with the Veterinary Services chief to rule on the matter within days.
Two sheep and goat holdings — one in Avgorou, one in Pentakomo — ought to be officially recognised as foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, according to experts from the European Commission, as reported by Cyprus Mail. The final call rests with Christodoulos Pipis, director of the Veterinary Services, who is expected to rule within days, possibly on Tuesday.
His ruling will cover three holdings that the authority has listed as suspect, in Pentakomo, Alethriko and Avgorou, and will also settle whether positive cases among traditional sheep and cattle breeds can escape culling. The EU’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF) met on September 17 and 18.
So far 121 farms have been caught up in the outbreak, with 80,133 animals culled, the latest case logged in Mammari on June 9. Restrictions are gradually easing: a sixth decree issued on September 7 permits free grazing beyond the affected zones.
What it means for residents
The formal declaration matters less for daily life than the easing that is already under way, but it still shapes what farmers can do and how quickly the island’s herds are rebuilt.
- Movement rules. Grazing outside affected zones is allowed again, but moving animals to restock a farm still needs veterinary sign-off, so expect paperwork and inspections to continue.
- Money. Compensation has already passed 17.5 million euros and payments are ongoing; farmers who lost stock should make sure their claims are filed and documented.
- Food supply. Culling has hit a slice of the national herd, and the planned restocking scheme aims to bring back animals of higher genetic value, which may affect prices and availability over time.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
