**Title: Virtually All Livestock Farmers Have Received FMD Compensation, Says Minister**
In a recent announcement, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis reported that over 100 livestock farms affected by the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak have received compensation. Speaking to CyBC, Senekis stated that only a few cases are still pending, and he expressed confidence that the compensation process would be finalized in the coming days.
The FMD outbreak, which first emerged on the island in February 2026, led to the culling of approximately 80,000 animals across various farms. The financial assistance provided to farmers aims to help them recover from the significant income losses incurred due to the outbreak and the subsequent culling measures.
Senekis emphasized that substantial sums have already been disbursed to affected farmers, enabling them to gradually resume their operations. The government is now focusing on rebuilding the livestock sector and enhancing its resilience against future outbreaks.
As part of this effort, the government is awaiting a comprehensive study from a scientific committee led by Stavros Malas. This study will explore the restructuring of the livestock sector, aiming to facilitate a full resumption of operations on a more sustainable and resilient basis.
Dr. Dimitris Epaminondas, a member of the epidemiological team and president of the Cyprus Veterinary Association, highlighted critical issues being examined in the aftermath of the outbreak. One major concern is the close proximity of livestock farms, which poses challenges to biosecurity. He noted that the current arrangement of farms does not provide adequate protection against disease spread.
"The plan has to do with the fact that one unit is practically on top of another, and this does not provide biosecurity," Epaminondas stated. He indicated that a re-evaluation of farm placements is essential for the sector's reconstruction. This includes the establishment of protective measures such as vaccination protocols and enhanced safety measures.
Epaminondas also underscored the importance of prevention in the new approach to livestock farming. With changing climatic conditions increasing the risk of animal diseases, he stressed that proactive measures would be crucial in mitigating potential economic impacts. "Because of climate change, we are seeing increased activity, both in terms of risks to animals and the consequences for the economy. Prevention is therefore a very important part of this," he explained.
As the livestock sector looks to recover from the FMD outbreak, the focus will be on implementing strategies that not only address current vulnerabilities but also prepare the industry for future challenges. The government's commitment to supporting farmers through compensation and restructuring efforts is a vital step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of livestock farming in Cyprus.