Director of the Veterinary Services Christodoulos Pipis confirmed the heightened state of readiness on Tuesday, responding to journalists’ questions during a visit to supermarkets in Famagusta ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Immediate response and heightened controls
Pipis was accompanying Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment Maria Panayiotou, who also confirmed that the authorities are on alert.
Asked about reports that Cypriot exports are being affected, Panayiotou said that Australian authorities have informed Cyprus that imports of products from Cyprus have been effectively banned, following the outbreak in the north.
She clarified that the response by Cyprus did not begin after the notification from Australia. According to the Minister, the Veterinary Services have already implemented 16 specific measures since the outbreak became known, including intensified controls across all relevant points.
Exports, shipments and ongoing monitoring
Responding to questions about shipments currently en route, Panayiotou said developments would be assessed in the coming days. She stressed that daily updates are being provided and that controls remain intensive to manage the situation effectively.
She also noted that, under her instructions, the Veterinary Services held a three-hour meeting on Monday with all stakeholders to outline additional biosecurity measures for livestock units.
Contacts with the European Commission and Australia
Pipis said the Veterinary Services have been in continuous contact with the European Commission, as well as with the competent Australian authorities. He explained that Australia is reviewing the information submitted by Cyprus and may reconsider its decision, including a possible amendment of the list of products temporarily excluded from import.
Regarding shipments already on their way to Australia, Pipis said efforts are under way to explore whether they could be accepted, so as to avoid rejection or return.
EU experts assess the situation
Pipis also referred to the visit of a European Commission expert delegation, noting that Cyprus had requested the visit from the outset. The experts visited the occupied areas two days ago to assess the case and the wider situation.
He described the situation as critical, underlining that this is why the Veterinary Services remain on red alert.
Measures to prevent spread in government-controlled areas
Pipis said the Services are ready to act wherever necessary, taking all possible measures to prevent the spread of the virus into the government-controlled areas of the Republic.
He explained that foot-and-mouth disease is airborne and cannot be fully excluded under any circumstances. However, he stressed that there is full cooperation with all involved bodies to minimise the risk and manage the situation.
Allegations dismissed as unfounded
Invited to comment on claims in the north alleging that the disease was transferred from government-controlled areas through illegal trade, Pipis rejected the allegations as unfounded.
He said the issue had also been raised with European Union experts, who noted that the epidemiology and severity of the disease make it impossible to conceal cases, even for a short period.
“From the facts alone, it is clear that these allegations are groundless,” Pipis said.