Veterinary services dept implores farmers not to gather for foot and mouth protest

The veterinary services department on Saturday morning implored farmers not to gather, ahead of a planned protest at the presidential palace against the culling of livestock in light of the ongoing outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

“As we have explained many times, the virus is transmitted in many ways, both airborne and mechanical. This means that vehicles, people and objects act as mechanical carriers of the virus,” it said.

It added that it was for this reason that the movement of livestock and animal feed have been banned in Cyprus since February 20, while warning that “in cases of non-compliance … the farmer may lose his rights to compensation and be fined up to €5,000”.

It then said that vehicle spraying and disinfection points have been set up throughout the island, but warned that humans can “transmit the virus mechanically through clothing, shoes, handshakes, and even breathing”.

“This is why mass gatherings and the encouragement thereof can contribute to the transmission of the virus and the spread of the disease, making livestock farmers themselves the sources of infections in their units,” it said.

However, farmers nonetheless began to gather on Saturday morning, incensed at the culling of their livestock.