Cyprus has pledged full financial support to producers affected by the outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease while stressing the need for strict implementation of European protocols to contain its spread.
Speaking on Friday after a second emergency meeting convened by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the state would stand by those affected.
Calls to follow strict measures
The meeting brought together representatives of the sectors directly impacted by the outbreak as well as relevant government services to exchange views and coordinate actions to address the crisis.
Letymbiotis said the shared objective was to support and safeguard Cyprus’s primary production sector, which he described as vital for the country’s economy.
He stressed that the rapid and full implementation of protocols and regulations set out by the European Union is the key condition for containing the disease.
“The fastest and most comprehensive implementation of European Union protocols, regulations and procedures is the only way to limit further spread and overcome this situation as quickly as possible,” he said.
He also called on all stakeholders to strictly follow the biosecurity measures already announced by the competent authorities and the European Commission.
Financial support and additional measures
Letymbiotis reiterated that the state would provide full financial support to affected producers and livestock units to allow them to resume operations once the crisis is contained.
“The state will do what is necessary, stand by those affected and provide full financial coverage and support so that activity can resume and this very important sector of our economy can be protected,” he said.
He acknowledged that the situation remains critical and may require difficult decisions in the coming period.
Among the measures under consideration is the expansion of the vaccination programme in close coordination with the European Union.
Tremendous efforts
The government is also examining possible measures concerning livestock units operating in areas not under the effective control of the Cyprus.
Letymbiotis said authorities were reviewing all available options while remaining in constant coordination with affected stakeholders and relevant agencies.
He also thanked private veterinarians for their contribution to the response, noting that many have been working intensively in recent days to implement the protocols and vaccination programme.
“They have been making tremendous efforts under difficult conditions to ensure the protocols and vaccination programme are implemented as quickly as possible,” he said.
Asked about the possibility of measures affecting livestock units in the island’s northern areas, Letymbiotis said all options were being examined in coordination with the European Union and with careful consideration of the legal aspects involved.
He added that the government would take all possible measures to control and contain the spread of the disease.