The DISY MP for Famagusta George Karoullas warned that the alarming spread of foot-and-mouth disease, combined with the prolonged absence of substantive measures since the first appearance of the disease last December in the occupied territories, it now poses a serious and immediate risk to the free province of Famagusta.
As he said, the situation is becoming even more dangerous due to daily crossings and contacts through the line of opposition, in combination with lack of controls, effective surveillance of the line of opposition, protocols, as well as coordinated and continuous veterinary interventions in the occupied territory. According to him, this uncontrolled reality dramatically increases the risk transmission of the disease.
Mr. Karoullas also noted that the breeders of Famagusta province, but also the local community, are in state of intense anxiety and justified insecurity, emphasizing that the competent authorities of the Republic of Cyprus must respond immediately, responsibly and decisively.
At the same time, he called on the Veterinary Services and Government to immediately take the following measures:
- To proceed immediately to tightening of controls at crossings through the confrontation line.
- To intensify the surveillance of the opposition line.
- To implement emergency biosafety protocols, with enhanced surveillance, disinfections and strict controls on the movement of animals and animal products.
- To activate prevention mechanisms and immediate reaction in the free province of Famagusta.
- To proceed with immediate and targeted information of livestock farmers, with clear and practical protection instructions.
- At the same time, the Republic of Cyprus must raise the issue European level and to request the European Union to intervene immediately, as well as to take effective measures in the occupied area, in order to stop the spread of the disease throughout the island.
Finally, he emphasized that the protection of livestock farming, public health and the local economy cannot be delayed or complacent and that drastic actions are required immediately.
