Shipload of cows moored off north to head back to Spain

A shipload of sick cows that had nowhere to moor except off the port of Famagusta in the north, is likely to set sail back to Spain, Reuters reported on Thursday.

The Togo-flagged ElBeik, whose plight was highlighted by the Animal party on Sunday, is said to be loading animal feed before embarking on its return journey. The ship is said to be carrying around 1,700 head of cattle.

“It is highly likely that the ship will set off for Spain after the animal food shipment process is completed,” said Demir Ali Deveci, a senior agricultural official in the north, according to Reuters.

Authorities did not determine whether there was an outbreak aboard, he added.

According to the Animal Party, the shipment of animals loaded in Spain in December ended up in the north of the island because no country would take them.

The ship  left Spain for Libya in December but was rejected on arrival because the animals were deemed to be sick. The reports said the Cyprus government was aware and is monitoring the situation.