POAD Director General: “Accelerating Vaccinations and Removing Infected Animals is Important”

The Director General of the Pan-Cypriot Cattle Breeders Organization (POAD), Nikos Papakyriakou, stated that accelerating vaccinations and removing infected animals are the most important steps to address foot-and-mouth disease. He emphasized that infected animals pose risks to surrounding units and must be removed immediately. Mr. Papakyriakou mentioned that they expect the President of the Republic to create a Committee, under the auspices of the European Union, which will consist of veterinarians and experts from POAD and other bodies, with the aim of eradicating the virus throughout the island. He reiterated that accelerating vaccinations and culling already infected animals are the priorities, with the hope that vaccinations will reduce the need for further culling. Cooperation and coordinated effort from all stakeholders are essential for the successful management of the disease. The situation with foot-and-mouth disease is being closely monitored, and the competent authorities are taking measures to protect livestock production and public health.