Annita Demetriou requests EU intervention regarding foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus

President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, Annita Demetriou, has addressed a letter to European People's Party (EPP) President Manfred Weber concerning a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Demetriou highlighted that the lack of harmonized veterinary protocols in the occupied northern areas of Cyprus creates a significant gap in the island's disease containment strategy. She warned that deviations in surveillance, movement restrictions, and biosecurity measures heighten the risk of transmission. The Cypriot official urged the EU to intervene to ensure equivalent veterinary standards are applied throughout the country. Specific proposals include implementing consistent disease management practices, such as stamping-out policies where necessary, in compliance with EU regulations. Additionally, Demetriou requested that EU financial assistance to the occupied areas be conditioned upon full compliance with these veterinary standards.