The European Commission decided on Monday to prohibit the export of Cypriot meat and dairy products, following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease on the Eastern Mediterranean island.
A Dutch EU expert has confirmed that Cyprus is facing cases of foot and mouth disease at two farms in the southern Larnaca District, said Agriculture Minister Fotis Fotiou.
He added that authorities have begun to cull some 300 animals in the area and extended the risk zone of three kilometers around the two affected farms to a broader 10 kilometer-zone.
Meanwhile, Fotiou announced a plan to support the animal breeders, which is subject to cabinet approval on Wednesday.
The minister also assured Cypriots that the disease cannot be spread to humans and authorities are taking all measures to protect the public. Milk produce in the risk zone will be destroyed on a daily basis, he said.
The situation could get worse if the EU expert, together with Cypriot veterinary services doctors, find symptoms of the disease in four other farms, reported Cyprus News Agency.
Source:Xinhua
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