Rafaela Dimitriadi
Members of the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee once again asked for answers about compensation and the next steps the Ministry of Agriculture and the Veterinary Services plan to take to deal with foot-and-mouth disease, just hours before Parliament dissolves. So far, 104 infected units have been identified, and about 63,000 animals have been culled. There is still strong concern about how the virus may continue to spread. The parliamentary session took place while livestock farmers were preparing to protest the culling.
MPs also brought up the issue of the occupied areas, stressing again that authorities must focus on how the virus is handled there. “If protocols are not followed in the occupied areas, our livestock sector will face serious problems.” They also said the President should bring the issue to Europe, including at the informal EU summit. Halloumi was also mentioned during the discussion.
“Exploitation of livestock farmers”
Michalis Lytras, Honorary President of the Cyprus Panagrotic Union (PEK), said livestock farmers are being used for political gain ahead of parliamentary elections.
“Responsible and irresponsible individuals are getting involved and misleading farmers for votes. We need to act responsibly,” he said.
He also pointed to a lack of decisiveness, saying it would be a mistake for the President not to raise the issue in Europe today.
“What we lack is decisiveness. We cannot eliminate this disease with words, only with action.”
Mr. Lytras added that authorities know how the virus entered the country and who brought it. “And what happened? We swept it under the rug.” He called on Police to step up inspections.
“There needs to be European oversight on how EU funds are used. The President should have addressed this today at the informal Council, and it is wrong not to do so.”
Speaking about the farmers’ protest, which agricultural organizations are not joining, he warned it could spread the virus.
“If this event takes place today, who knows whether infected individuals might be present?”
Panicos Hambas, Secretary General of the Cyprus Farmers’ Union (EKA), asked Veterinary Services to seek an exception through the EU.
“In the past, an exception was granted for pigs in another case.”
Tasos Giapanis, Secretary General of the Cyprus Panagrotic Association, described the situation as critical and said efforts will be made to protect farmers’ rights.
“So they can stay in their jobs. I hope God will show mercy.”
Communication with the occupied areas
The virus did not spread across all of Cyprus because measures were put in place, said Andreas Grigoriou, Director of the Ministry of Agriculture. Regarding the occupied areas, he said efforts have been ongoing since day one.
“I don’t know what else we can do to convince them.”
He said the outbreak has affected livestock production and exposed challenges the agricultural sector faces during crises. From the first confirmed case, Veterinary Services activated the emergency plan for Category A diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, following EU protocols and legislation.
Authorities immediately applied procedures, set boundaries for affected areas, and restricted the movement of animals, products, and equipment to contain the spread. They also carried out intensive inspections and enforced strict biosecurity measures.
According to data through April 21, 104 units were infected in Nicosia and Larnaca:
- 13 cattle units
- 88 sheep and goat units
- 3 pig units
Animals culled:
- 37,066 sheep and goats, about 8.1%
- 2,247 cattle, about 2.8%
- 21,644 pigs, about 7%, are currently being culled
Vaccination of healthy animals in at-risk groups is ongoing, along with additional testing to detect new cases.
Compensation
Mr. Grigoriou said advance payments for lost income have been made to 21 of 31 beneficiaries, totaling €35.96 million. The remaining 10 are expected to receive payments by April 24.
For compensation related to discarded milk, 26 of 53 farmers have already been paid, specifically those whose animals were culled before Easter. The remaining applications are still under review.
In addition, 21 livestock farmers have been recorded for compensation related to destroyed feed. Seven have already been paid a total of €35.665 million. Payments for 12 more farmers are expected by April 24.
The amount of compensation per animal is being reviewed by advisory committees, which continue working to address issues that come up from the strict EU protocols.
He described the situation as unprecedented for Cyprus based on current epidemiological and veterinary data. The Ministry shares the concern, frustration, fear, and uncertainty about what comes next, since the outbreak does not appear to be over.
“This is a shared challenge. We are not against each other. We are all facing the foot-and-mouth outbreak together. Government, organizations, farmers, and everyone affected in the supply chain must follow the measures to protect healthy livestock and secure the future of the sector.”
He concluded by stressing the need for trust in authorities and experts so work can continue without disruption to protect healthy animals and maintain the supply chain.
“No permission was given to transport animals to a slaughterhouse”
Christodoulos Pipis, Director of Veterinary Services, said the situation in 2007 was very different in response to comparisons made by farmers. At that time, there was no active strain, so the cases cannot be compared.
Addressing claims that culling began 30 days later, he said delays happened because of public reactions.
On the issue of animals being transported to a slaughterhouse, he stressed that no permission was given.
“That is why fines have been imposed, and the case is now with Police.”
Police representative Ioannis Kapnoullas said all necessary measures will be taken for events like today’s protest. He also called it unacceptable that unrelated individuals are getting involved, describing them as self-appointed participants.
Regarding inspections, Police said efforts to combat smuggling continue and will not stop as long as there is a dividing line in the country.
