Residents have raised complaints about the alleged improper burial of dead animals and insufficient adherence to health protocols in the Larnaca district, while the Veterinary Services insist that all required measures have been followed.
According to complaints, dead animals have remained exposed since last Saturday in an open trench, without the prescribed burial procedures being carried out.
Residents claim the animals were “simply thrown” into the trench, leading to strong odours in the area. They also expressed concern that the situation could worsen further as temperatures rise.
In response, the Veterinary Services stated that during the latest culling operation carried out last Saturday in Larnaca, all appropriate measures for sanitary burial were applied. They added that soil erosion observed at parts of the burial site was caused by recent heavy rainfall.
In a statement issued following reports on the matter, the Veterinary Services said the burial took place in a remote location away from the village and livestock units. They added that the trench was demarcated and excavated in coordination with local authorities and relevant departments, including the Environment Department, the Water Development Department and the Geological Survey.
“The carcasses were covered in accordance with the required procedures and the site has been regularly inspected since then,” the statement said.
“During an on‑site inspection, it was found that recent heavy rainfall had caused erosion of clay in certain areas. Instructions were immediately given to add more clay to the burial site,” it added.
The Veterinary Services concluded that all animal burial sites in the Larnaca and Nicosia districts are continuously monitored and corrective actions are taken whenever necessary.
Source: CNA
