Municipality steps up support for livestock farmers

Municipal services are at the disposal of livestock farmers, the mayor of Dromolaxia–Meneou said on Monday, following a meeting held on February 27 to address concerns over foot-and-mouth disease.

Speaking to CNA, Mayor Andreas Andronikou announced that a municipal employee has been assigned to assist livestock farmers around the clock with any issues related to the disease.

He said the meeting aimed to brief farmers on measures to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the Dromolaxia–Meneou area and to respond to their concerns.

Andronikou confirmed that portable disinfection units have been installed at all entrances and exits of livestock areas in Tersefanou, Softades–Kiti and Dromolaxia.

All other access points to livestock units have been blocked, with entry permitted only to authorised farmers.

Farmers have been urged to remain vigilant and report any unauthorised access to livestock areas via dirt roads or fields to the municipality or the police, as such actions increase the risk of disease transmission.

The mayor reminded farmers of ten guidelines issued in mid-February following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease.

These include keeping livestock away from wild and unregistered animals, implementing pest control measures and ensuring proper disinfection at facility entrances.

Strict biosecurity measures must be applied to all persons and vehicles entering or leaving livestock areas to minimise the risk of transmission.

Farmers are also required to keep visitor records and submit them to the veterinary services when requested.

The guidelines further state that anyone associated with a livestock unit should avoid contact with other susceptible animals.

Individuals must disinfect their boots, wear clean clothing that does not come into contact with animals, and wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the premises.

The transport of animals, products or materials to and from livestock installations requires written approval from the veterinary services.

Approved transport must follow designated routes directly to its destination without intermediate stops.

Andronikou said farmers are primarily concerned about preventing the disease from reaching their units and expressed satisfaction with the municipality’s swift response to protect livestock areas.

He added that the municipality remains in close contact with the Veterinary Services and other state departments to monitor developments, with the aim of preventing the virus from spreading beyond the 10-kilometre zone and safeguarding both livestock and public health.