Cyprus parliamentary committee discusses foot-and-mouth disease recovery

The Cypriot Parliamentary Agriculture Committee met to address the ongoing veterinary crisis regarding foot-and-mouth disease. Andreas Grigoriou, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, announced that a committee led by Stavros Malas will present a restocking study by the end of July. While the government initially favored importing animals, it is now considering domestic supply due to potential logistical delays. Neophytos Neofytou, president of the 'Voice of Breeders' group, expressed concern that sourcing animals locally risks spreading the virus, as healthy herds could test positive and face culling, and he therefore advocates for imports. Financial data indicates that 12,755,619 euros in compensation have been distributed to date. Additionally, 429,480 euros were paid in advances to 40 beneficiaries, 594,969 euros for milk destruction to 54 beneficiaries, and 882,415 euros for animal feed to 85 beneficiaries. The Ministry expects to process the remaining outstanding files in the coming days.