Politis

Foot and Mouth Disease: Where was the Director of Veterinary Services during the Parliament Session?

Published March 11, 2026, 14:16
Foot and Mouth Disease: Where was the Director of Veterinary Services during the Parliament Session?

The Veterinary Services clarified that milk from infected livestock farms is not channeled to the market and is destroyed, not because of a risk to humans, but to prevent the spread of the virus between animals. Foot and mouth disease is not transmitted to humans through the consumption of milk or meat. Animals found in infected farms are euthanized and buried on site to limit the spread of the virus, a practice applied internationally in cases of foot and mouth disease. Ms. Georgiou mentioned that when the disease was detected in the occupied territories, updates were provided to farmers and organizations. Regarding the absence of the Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, from the Parliament session, it was clarified that he was chairing a meeting of directors at the European Commission. At the same time, complaints have been filed with the police regarding incidents of obstructing crews carrying out animal culling. The Veterinary Services emphasize that all necessary measures are being taken to control and address the spread of foot and mouth disease, protecting both animals and human health.