Eight samples taken on Thursday all returned negative, while pending culling operations were expected to be completed by the end of Friday, members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the disease said after a meeting with agricultural organisations and livestock farmers.
Following last Tuesday’s decision at the Presidential Palace to increase Police involvement, initial results are already emerging. Committee member and Cyprus University of Technology professor Dimitris Tsaltas said the first reactions, particularly from the Police, were “very positive,” noting that inspections have begun.
A total of 101 checks were carried out, during which certain issues were identified.
The president of the Cyprus Veterinary Association, Dimitris Epaminondas, said two violations were detected concerning movements carried out without the required documentation. He explained that inspections focus mainly on vehicles considered suspicious, checking permits, the transport of products, animals and animal feed, as well as compliance with official decrees.
Asked about pending culling operations, he said these were expected to be completed by the end of Friday, including in Pachna. He added that livestock farmers have shown “significant consistency” and that no problems have been reported so far.
Court Rejects Farmer’s Request
In a separate development, the Administrative Court rejected an application by a professional livestock farmer seeking to suspend the mandatory culling of animals at his unit in Dromolaxia.
According to a statement from the Attorney General’s Office, the court, following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease, stressed that the protection of the public interest and public health outweighs the applicant’s economic or personal consequences, allowing veterinary protocols to proceed.
Despite its firm legal position, the judge acknowledged the heavy psychological burden on the farmer, making what was described as a notably human observation, also highlighted in the Legal Service statement. The judge noted that the case evokes feelings of sadness over the expected loss of the animals and sympathy for the applicant, recognising that an external observer can never fully understand the experience of someone watching their livelihood being destroyed. Nevertheless, the court stressed that the evidence requires such sacrifice for the common good.
“No Further Cases”
On testing, Mr Epaminondas confirmed that the eight samples taken on Thursday – five in Nicosia district, two in Larnaca and one in Limassol – were all negative.
“There are no further cases at this stage,” he said, adding that sampling is currently being carried out as part of tracing efforts based on recent cases.
Discussions On Easing Measures
Referring to issues raised by agricultural organisations at a meeting, he said these mainly concern possible easing of restrictions, timelines and when the rebuilding of livestock activity may begin.
He added that these matters will be examined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the epidemiological situation, while some will be discussed during the week so that responses can be provided next week.
On the issue of animal burial in Kokkinotrimithia, Mr Epaminondas said the location has been changed and a solution has been found. He added that culling and burial operations are also nearing completion there without any problems recorded.
“National Guard Contribution Important”
Mr Tsaltas said support from all relevant state services is essential in helping Veterinary Services manage the situation. He also noted the significant contribution of the National Guard in creating burial sites, explaining that the process is now carried out more quickly and at lower cost.
“Of course, the cost is borne by the state, but it is certainly the best solution in such emergency situations,” he said.
