The future of the meat market in Cyprus is uncertain, with cases of foot-and-mouth disease and animal deaths increasing daily. So far, a total of 42 confirmed positive cases have been identified, with the outbreaks also extending to livestock units in Nicosia.
“The situation is very fluid”, the president of the Butchers’ Association, Kostas Livadiotis, told “P”, since “no one has a complete picture” of where the killings will go.
Uncertainty and insecurity from consumers
The concern of citizens is already being translated into the purchasing behavior of consumers, with many rushing to shop in advance as Mr. Livadiotis said. He even clarified that the phenomenon is still not that intense since we are going through a period of fasting.
Slaughterhouses are also a big factor, which were also affected by the biosecurity measures observed, Mr. Livadiotis described, since carcasses from farms in monitored areas must be transported separately, thinly and their transport vehicles must be disinfected.
For his part, the general secretary of the Pancypriot Retail Association, Marios Antoniou, speaking to “P”, emphasized that “the market will definitely be affected” but they cannot be sure how the Easter table will be affected. But he explained that for now deliveries are being made as normal.
Possibility of imports with difficulties
They are looking at the possibility of imports from other countries, in case the production in Cyprus cannot meet the demand, both the Retail Trade Association and the Butchers’ Association confirmed. Typically, Cyprus imports mainly Greek lamb, some pork and beef. The solution is not without its own problems, however, as Greece is dealing with cases of sheep pox and some cases of foot-and-mouth disease. At the same time, the Catholic Easter precedes the Orthodox Easter, with the demand from Spain and Italy being increased.
Decisions on next steps
The Butchers’ Association has called for a Cypriot meeting with POVEK (General Confederation of Cypriot Professional Organizations of Store Managers), on how they will handle the situation, the possibility of imports and restrictions on slaughtering and routes between units. “No one can make a decision,” said Mr. Livadiotis, as “it will depend on how great the damage will be.”
The picture today
The killings so far have reached 15 thousand animals, while another 15 thousand are pending, reaching a total of 30 thousand killings of adult animals, according to the Veterinary Services. The surveillance zones concern 196 cattle units, 196 cattle units, 570 sheep and goat farms and 21 pig farms that are under restriction. The Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, announced on Monday a support package of 28 million euros, with the first compensations within the next week.
“We are very worried about what we will sell the world’s Easter”, concluded Mr. Livadiotis.