Veterinary officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nadia Kalli, said on Thursday that an incident occurred during an operation to collect samples at a farm where a case of the disease had been identified.
According to Kalli, livestock farmers initially cooperated with the authorities and scheduled sampling was carried out, though not in full. However, she added that delays and further developments followed, which are now under review in coordination with the Veterinary Services.
“We are seeking the cooperation of the public because we all share the same goal of preventing the spread of the virus,” she said, adding that farmers have generally been cooperative.
Asked whether any incident had taken place involving Veterinary Services staff, Kalli confirmed that there had been one in the area. “We are trying to work together and we call on the public to cooperate. The competent authorities are investigating this specific incident,” she said.
On the issue of farmers’ requests to suspend animal culling until additional samples are examined, Kalli said the Veterinary Services are obliged to follow established protocols and legislation.
“This is part of the programme. The protocol is being applied, as is the legislation. Based on the current data, the Veterinary Services continue to proceed as planned. There is no new development or deviation from the protocols, nor is such an option provided for, as these are not unilateral decisions,” she explained.
She noted that in the past, when the severity of the measures was questioned, contacts had been made with the European Commission and EU veterinary bodies to explore possible exemptions. However, she said, all responses had been negative and no flexibility had been granted to Cyprus regarding culling measures.
Separately, Limassol Police Director Stelios Aristeidou described a meeting with livestock farmers at the Pachna Community Council as constructive. He said farmers’ positions had been recorded and would be communicated, with a response expected later the same day.
Aristeidou confirmed that a complaint had been filed alleging that samples were taken from Veterinary Services officials earlier in the day. The incident is under investigation. He added that no police escort had been requested in advance and that authorities are now examining the circumstances.
Asked whether arrest warrants could be issued if access to farms is denied, Aristeidou said police have an obligation to uphold the law.
“Our aim is to resolve the issue through dialogue. However, if it is decided that procedures must proceed, then they will proceed in accordance with the law,” he said.
Earlier in the day, access to the farm under investigation had been blocked by agricultural machinery, preventing entry.
Source: CNA
