The rare fat tailed sheep breed in Cyprus has been granted an exemption from culling, allowing it to remain in Dromolaxia under strict biosecurity measures. This decision, confirmed by the veterinary services on Wednesday, follows a thorough evaluation of the ongoing foot and mouth disease outbreak.
Comprehensive Evaluation Leads to Exemption
Authorities based their decision on a comprehensive evaluation of the epidemiological data, which included input from scientific bodies and animal health experts. The assessment took into account the report from the epidemiological team and recommendations from the agricultural research institute.
Significance of the Fat Tailed Sheep
The fat tailed sheep breed is considered indigenous to Cyprus, and its limited population has raised concerns among farmers and researchers. With estimates suggesting just over one thousand of these animals remain, the breed’s genetic value is significant. The veterinary services noted that the exemption was also influenced by the commitments of the livestock breeder to implement all necessary measures for disease control.
Biosecurity Obligations for Compliance
Compliance with strict biosecurity obligations is essential for the exemption to remain in place. The farm owner, management, and scientific advisers will be monitored continuously to ensure adherence to disease control standards. Veterinary services stressed that this exemption does not change the broader containment strategy for foot and mouth disease, which continues to affect surrounding farms.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Concerns
The veterinary services will maintain close surveillance of the situation and continuously evaluate epidemiological data. All decisions will be guided by public health, animal production, and legal criteria. This announcement comes amid wider concerns regarding livestock management in affected areas, including Dromolaxia and Pachna in Limassol, where culling has already occurred in other herds.
Individual Assessment of Exemption Requests
Officials have indicated that similar cases involving other breeds, such as the indigenous red cattle, will also be assessed for exemption on an individual basis. This approach aims to prevent significant biodiversity loss that could arise from blanket culling practices.
