A major joint operation by the Veterinary Services and the Police has uncovered the illegal transfer of sheep and goats to a livestock farm in Tseri, raising serious concerns about the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
According to reports, following an intelligence assessment, a team of veterinarians accompanied by a strong police contingent descended yesterday on a local farmer’s premises in Tseri. Officers guarded the site throughout the night to prevent any further movement of animals.
At first light, veterinarians began taking samples while investigators started collecting statements. The animals reportedly belong to a well-known livestock trader whose farm in Dali had been placed under quarantine after the virus was detected. A significant number of heads were secretly and illegally moved to Tseri to escape the prescribed culling process.
Experts describe the transfer of animals from an infected area like Dali to a previously unaffected area like Tseri as a “health bomb.” The illegal action undermines state efforts to contain the epidemic and puts the livestock of the entire Nicosia district at immediate risk.
Authorities have already identified four cases of illegal animal transfers, for which administrative fines and criminal prosecutions are being pursued.
