**Farmers Object to Government Plan on Livestock Replenishment Amid FMD Outbreak**
In a recent parliamentary session, livestock farmers expressed strong objections to the government's decision to rely on local herds for replenishing animal stock lost due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD). The announcement was made by Andreas Gregoriou, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, who indicated that the government had initially considered importing animals from abroad but later shifted focus to local herds due to time constraints.
The decision comes in the wake of significant losses in the livestock sector, with approximately 10 percent of the animal stock culled as a measure to contain the spread of the highly contagious FMD. As of now, 121 farming units have reported positive cases of the disease, leading to the destruction of over 52,000 sheep and goats, 3,018 cattle, and 24,483 pigs. This represents a substantial loss, with 11.5 percent of sheep and goats, 3.5 percent of cattle, and 7.8 percent of pigs affected.
Gregoriou informed members of parliament that a special committee is currently working on a report regarding the reconstitution of the animal stock, which is expected to be completed by the end of July. However, the farmers' representative from the Voice of Livestock Farmers group raised concerns about the implications of using local herds for replenishment. They argued that any testing of local livestock for FMD could lead to further culling if any animals test positive, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The farmers are advocating for the importation of animals from abroad as a more viable solution to address the losses. They believe that sourcing livestock internationally would mitigate the risk of further losses through culling and ensure a more stable recovery for the sector.
The last recorded case of FMD in Cyprus was on June 10, and since then, veterinary services have been actively testing livestock both within and outside the affected areas. Vaccination efforts are ongoing, with 87 percent of cattle, 67 percent of sheep and goats, and 41 percent of pigs already vaccinated. These measures are considered crucial in containing the disease and protecting the remaining healthy animal population.
Demetris Epaminondas, head of the Veterinary Association, stated that vaccination and bio-security measures have significantly contributed to controlling the spread of FMD. He expressed optimism about the current situation, noting that after four months of efforts, progress has been made, but emphasized the need for continued vigilance to safeguard the remaining 90 percent of healthy livestock.
Regarding compensation for affected farmers, Gregoriou reported that €12.75 million has already been disbursed to cover losses from the destruction of animals and milk, as well as animal feed. However, there are still 17 pending compensation applications, with some under scrutiny due to suspicions that the farmers may have played a role in the spread of the disease.
As the situation evolves, the government faces the challenge of balancing the urgent need for livestock replenishment with the concerns raised by farmers about the risks associated with using local herds. The outcome of the special committee's report will likely play a crucial role in determining the future course of action for the livestock sector in Cyprus.