Veterinary services address concerns over foot-and-mouth disease culling methods

Cypriot veterinary authorities have issued an official response following the circulation of a video on social media depicting the culling of cattle with firearms. The footage, shared by Nikolas Prodromou, president of the United Cypriot Hunters Movement, sparked public criticism and allegations of improper procedures. In their statement, the Veterinary Services clarified that these actions are part of essential measures to eradicate an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. They stated that using a firearm is a permitted method under EU Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 for the protection of animals at the time of killing. According to the authorities, the method is employed by trained personnel only when necessary and is designed to ensure an instantaneous death to prevent animal suffering. While critics label the practice as inhumane, the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary Services maintain it is a legally compliant and necessary step to contain the spread of the virus.