Cyprus government announces support for farmers amid foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
The Cypriot government has announced a 28 million euro support package for livestock farmers affected by the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. This figure includes 24.5 million euros from a recent Cabinet decision and 3.5 million euros previously allocated in March. The comprehensive package involves nine primary measures, including full compensation for losses and income support until operations resume. A special scientific committee, led by geneticist Stavros Malas, has been established to upgrade the livestock sector over the next decade. Meanwhile, local officials in the Southern Nicosia-Idalio region have advised citizens to avoid specific roads near affected farms to curb viral transmission. Veterinary services have identified new cases in Geri and Dali, prompting increased caution. Political opposition, including the Democratic Party, has requested a meeting of party leaders to discuss the crisis and broader economic impacts. The government maintains that it has followed European regulations regarding the culling of infected animals.