The eight samples taken on Thursday for foot-and-mouth disease were negative, while the pending culling of animals is expected to be completed by the end of Friday, members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on handling the disease said after a meeting with farmers’ organisations.
In statements, Committee member and President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, Demetris Epaminondas, said the Committee had held ‘a very productive discussion’ with farmers’ organisations as part of the implementation of measures decided at the Presidential Palace last Tuesday.
He said the organisations raised questions, some of which were answered, while others were recorded and will be discussed next week. He added that a weekly meeting with farmers’ organisations has been set for every Friday.
Epaminondas said outstanding issues were then discussed with the competent departments, mainly the completion of culling in the districts where the process is still ongoing.
‘We expect the culling to be completed today and sampling to begin next week,’ he said, adding that the implementation of the measures decided at the Presidential Palace was ‘at a good stage’.
Asked about pending culling, he said it should be completed by the end of the day, including in Pachna, Limassol. He also noted that farmers had shown considerable compliance and that, so far, no problem had been reported.
Regarding sampling, he said the eight samples taken on Thursday, five in Nicosia district, two in Larnaca and one in Limassol, were negative. ‘There are no new cases so far,’ he said.
He clarified that sampling is currently being carried out as part of tracing, based on the latest cases.
Asked about the concerns raised by farmers’ organisations, he said these mainly concerned the easing of measures, the relevant timetables and when herds would begin to be reconstituted. These issues, he added, would be examined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the epidemiological picture, while some would be discussed during the week so that answers can be given next week.
On the issue of animal burial in Kokkinotrimithia, Epaminondas said the site had been changed and a solution had been found. He added that culling and burial at the specific site were also being completed, with no problem recorded.
For his part, Committee member Demetris Tsaltas said the first reactions, particularly from the Police, had been ‘very positive’, noting that checks had begun.
He said 101 checks had been carried out, during which some issues were identified. Epaminondas clarified that two violations were detected, involving movements without the necessary documents.
The checks, he added, mainly concern vehicles considered suspicious, to verify permits for the movement of animals, animal products and animal feed, as well as compliance with the relevant decrees.
Tsaltas said the support of all state services involved was important in order to help the Veterinary Services control the situation.
He also said the National Guard had made an important contribution to the creation of burial sites, as this made the process faster and less costly. ‘Of course, the cost is borne by the state, but it is certainly the best solution in such emergency situations,’ he said.