Cyprus authorities say they will spend more than €35.6 million compensating livestock farmers and helping them rebuild their herds after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that led to widespread animal culling earlier this year.
The Ministry of Agriculture said in a detailed statement that payments cover not only the value of animals that had to be killed but also losses linked to destroyed feed and milk, with compensation already beginning on May 13 and expected to be completed within the month.
Nicosia clarified how payments were calculated, following public criticism and confusion over the methodology used to assess the value of affected animals. According to the Veterinary Services, compensation rates were set by special committees appointed by the director of Veterinary Services. These committees took into account factors such as market prices, breed quality, genetic value, age, and the productive status of each animal.
Farmers also submitted invoices to reflect real market conditions, while assessment committees carried out on-site evaluations to determine final payouts based on each animal’s characteristics.
