Olivér Várhelyi said on Thursday afternoon that Cyprus “is not alone”, pledging that the European Commission will support livestock farmers, protect animal health and stand by the island in its efforts to contain foot-and-mouth disease.
Speaking at the “Zinon” Coordination Centre in Larnaca following a meeting with all competent services involved in tackling the outbreak, and in the presence of Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, the Commissioner expressed the Commission’s full backing for Cyprus.
He stressed that the necessary rules must be strictly followed to combat the disease, adding that the Commission is ready to advise the Cypriot government, provide financial assistance to affected livestock farmers and support vaccination efforts.
Assurances on halloumi
Várhelyi also underlined the importance of restricting movements and transport, noting that European Union rules for combating the virus are among the strictest in the world. The first two weeks, he said, are the most critical for containing the spread.
Panayiotou thanked the Commissioner for visiting Cyprus and for the close cooperation on efforts to curb the outbreak.
She said that 10,000 vaccine doses arrived on Wednesday from the north of the island, followed by a further 50,000 on Thursday. By Saturday, a total of 529,000 doses are expected to arrive from the European Union for use in vaccinating animals.
The minister also expressed “great thanks” to the Commissioner for his assurances regarding halloumi and for the European Commission’s broader support, adding that preparations are under way for a universal vaccination of livestock.