The Veterinary Services characterize the situation with the spread of foot-and-mouth disease as critical, but manageable, at a time when the Police and the Customs Department are investigating information about illegal hay trafficking from the occupied areas. This information, if confirmed, may be the "key" to the spread of the virus in free areas.
According to the spokesman of the Customs Department, Giorgos Konstantinou, anonymous information is being investigated involving a 75-year-old resident of the Dali area in the systematic smuggling of products from unapproved crossing points. This man had also engaged the authorities last Wednesday for the illegal transport of tobacco products, a case that was closed with an out-of-court settlement of €13.000.
"We are deeply alarmed by the information that the 75-year-old may be carrying hay and feed," said Mr. Konstantinou, noting that a coordinated operation with the Police is underway to determine if the suspicions are true and if there is a direct link with the spread of the virus.
At the same time, the Police continue to take statements to determine if criminal responsibilities arise regarding the causes of the crisis. The spokesman of the Police, Byron Byron, said that all aspects of the outbreak are being examined.
The senior veterinary officer, Sotiria Georgiadou, stressed that Cyprus is in a "stand still" regime, i.e. a ban on the movement of animals, feed and people in the 10-kilometer surveillance zone. "Unfortunately, Cyprus has now lost its free regime for exports," Ms. Georgiadou admitted, pointing out that while halloumi is patented, other products may be subject to restrictions.
No new cases occurred in the previous five days. Nevertheless, the situation remains fragile. Animal killings continue, with authorities racing against time to find suitable burial sites that will not pollute the aquifer.
Regarding vaccinations, they were completed yesterday in cattle within a radius of 3 km. and continue at 10 km. For sheep and goats, a decision was made to vaccinate the units around pigsties as a priority, as pigs are extremely vulnerable and reproduce large amounts of virus. For pigs, a new batch of vaccines is expected to be received to start their vaccination. It is noted that the arrival of 529.000 doses of vaccines from the European Commission is expected today.
At the same time, strong reactions have been caused by the cattle breeders of Athienou regarding the biosecurity measures. While the Department of Agriculture has announced that it will cover up to €5,000 for each wheel disinfection point, farmers claim that the actual cost is €6,500 per system.
The president of the Athienou Cattle Breeders Association, Giorgos Parpas, spoke of "humiliating compensations", stating that they themselves undertook the cost so that there would be no delays. "It was the government's obligation to do them, but we did them to protect ourselves," he said.
