Cyprus announces support measures for stockbreeders

The Council of Ministers approved a package of measures, with immediate effect, in support of stockbreeders, whose farms have been affected by the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Announcing the measures after today’s Cabinet’s meeting, President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos said they include compensation of 110 Cyprus pounds for each animal killed and compensation for loss of income for a period of six months, at 75 pounds for each animal. The President said that if necessary, the six month period will be extended.
The measures also include compensation for animal food supplies which will have to be destroyed.
The government will also cover expenses for the reactivation of the affected farmers, including any additional cost for the purchase of livestock.
President Papadopoulos said that the measures will be implemented within the next few days.
“Tackling this problem necessitates strict measures. We all understand the sorrow and devastation of the affected stockbreeders, whose livestock will have to be killed. The problem we face is serious but the government will support the animal breeders,” the President said.
Yesterday the European Commission described Cyprus as a “high risk zone” following the outbreak of the foot and mouth disease, adding that appropriate measures are in place to deal with the situation.
The Commission also said that the local Cypriot cheese, halloumi, does not come under the restrictions imposed on Cyprus because of the outbreak, and can be exported.