Philenews

Foot and Mouth Disease: Mayor of South Nicosia Anxious - “It is not possible to separate livestock zones”

Published February 24, 2026, 17:10
Foot and Mouth Disease: Mayor of South Nicosia Anxious - “It is not possible to separate livestock zones”

The Mayor of South Nicosia, Stavros Chatzigiannis, expresses concern about the proximity of the Municipality to the villages where cases of foot and mouth disease have been recorded. The Municipality has taken precautionary measures in cooperation with livestock farmers, but the Mayor emphasizes the need for overall responsibility of the Department of Agriculture. The Municipality of South Nicosia has four livestock areas with a total of 75 farms and approximately 40,000 animals. Only one of these falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, while the remaining three fall under either the Prefect or the Municipality. The Mayor calls on the Department of Agriculture to take responsibility for all areas. Mr. Chatzigiannis states that the Department of Agriculture has offered to cover the cost of an automated spraying system and a disinfection tank only in the area under its jurisdiction. The Mayor believes that this approach is wrong and that the Ministry should cover the cost for all areas, regardless of jurisdiction. The Mayor emphasizes the short distance between the areas where cases have been recorded and the Municipality of South Nicosia, expressing fears of a possible spread of the disease. He calls for immediate action and coordination with the Veterinary Services.