Varhelyi Firm on Animal Culling After Meeting with Christodoulides

European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, reiterated that the European Union will support Cyprus during the foot-and-mouth disease crisis. Following meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides, Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou, and representatives of livestock farmers, he emphasized the EU's commitment to assist and compensate farmers for their losses.

Mr. Várhelyi stressed the need for full implementation of measures in compliance with EU rules, including the culling of all animals on farms where a case is detected. He explained that three and ten-kilometer zones are being established around infected units, where strict biosecurity measures are applied.

The Commissioner urged citizens to avoid these areas to prevent the spread of the virus. He clarified that the EU has already sent vaccines and a veterinary team to Cyprus. He also referred to the need to comply with travel restrictions and vehicle disinfection.

Regarding the occupied territories, Mr. Várhelyi stated that the EU has provided assistance there as well, but a different strategy is being followed, as they are not part of the EU. The General Secretary of the Cyprus Farmers' Union (EKA), Panikos Habbas, raised questions regarding the control of the management of EU funds in the occupied territories and the lack of vaccination of animals before the outbreak.

Following the meetings, decisions are expected from agricultural organizations and livestock farmers regarding their next steps.