seals

They risk the lives of children with cancer when doctors warn of the danger!

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They risk the lives of children with cancer when doctors warn of the danger!

Parents of children with haematological and oncological conditions are concerned about the construction works planned at Makareio Hospital. They argue that building near clinics treating immunocompromised patients can be extremely dangerous. The Cyprus Pediatric Society warns of the risks, specifically mentioning the potential increase in hospital fungal infections, such as aspergillosis. Despite opposition from parents and medical professionals, the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) has suggested relocating the Pediatric Oncology Clinic temporarily to another part of the hospital, which is not seen as a suitable solution. The decision to upgrade Makareio Hospital instead of building a new, modern hospital has been made without consulting those directly involved, raising concerns about the safety and health of the children undergoing treatment. The focus should be on prioritizing the health and well-being of these vulnerable patients.

Audit Office says proposed project endangers rare seals

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Audit Office says proposed project endangers rare seals

Fact: The Audit Office calls for a new study on siting an aquaculture project in the area of Moni-Vasilikos due to its possible detrimental effects on an endangered species of seal.

Audit Office calls for revised study on Pentakomo development to protect seals

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Audit Office calls for revised study on Pentakomo development to protect seals

The Audit Office has requested a revised site allocation study for proposed marine farm facilities in the Moni-Vassiliko area due to the area’s significance for the Mediterranean monk seal. Plans to develop aquaculture facilities in the environmentally sensitive area are facing scrutiny, with a project tender issued for €34 million. The Audit Office recommends updating the National Action Plan for Monk Seal Conservation and ensuring public access to relevant assessments. Delays in project implementation could risk losing funding. The Audit Office criticizes the lack of detail in alternative locations considered in a previous study and recommends a revised study to address the gap. The Department of Environment’s pre-screening report for the Environmental Impact Assessment is criticized for not adequately considering the importance of the area for the Mediterranean monk seal. The proposed project aims to serve seven of the nine existing marine aquaculture farms in Cyprus, providing necessary support infrastructure.

Wider bird flu spread raises concern for humans, animal health body says

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Wider bird flu spread raises concern for humans, animal health body says

The spread of bird flu to a growing number of species and regions has increased the risk of humans being infected by the virus, according to the head of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The U.S. reported cases in dairy cows and a person in Texas, with concerns about potential transmission between cows. The virus has led to culling of millions of poultry globally, mainly carried by migrating wild birds. The virus has spread to new regions, affecting a variety of animals, including foxes, cats, tigers, seals, dolphins, and bears. The concern is the higher viral load and potential contamination of humans. There have been outbreaks of bird flu causing serious infections in people with close contact with infected animals, but no sustained human-to-human transmission observed. Scientists warn of the risk of the virus mutating to be transmissible between mammals, including humans, potentially leading to a large-scale pandemic.

Monachus not so monastic anymore, as the seals are here to stay

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Monachus not so monastic anymore, as the seals are here to stay

– The Monachus Monachus is an endangered Mediterranean seal.
– Cypriot waters have seen a steady rise in seal numbers year after year due to environmental service measures protecting their habitat.
– Seal numbers in Cyprus increased from 7-10 in 2010 to 22 last year.
– The seal ecosystem in Cyprus is mostly in protected Natura 2000 maritime regions and off the British Bases in Limassol.
– Seals were spotted for the first time at the Anassa hotel beach, using it for resting and caring for newborns.
– A detailed outlook of the Mediterranean seal was presented in Peyia at an event co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment.
– The Cape Greco coastal caves are rarely used by seals due to increased human activity.
– The Ayia Napa sea caves are popular for reproduction and resting, with up to six seals recorded using the caves at a time.
– Seals have been spotted resting in regional caves from Governor’s Beach to the recycling plant area in the west.
– A 55-meter deep cave at Ayios Yeorgios Alamanos is an important shelter for reproduction and resting, with seals traveling up to 150 kilometers to use it.
– The name Monachus Monachus possibly comes from the thick layer of skin under its neck resembling a Catholic monk’s religious hood, not from a monastic nature as earlier believed.
– The Mediterranean seal is the rarest of 33 species worldwide and the only one in the genus Monachus, making it the number one endangered mammal in Europe with only 700 left.
– Half of the remaining population lives and reproduces in Greece, and another 100 off the southern coast of Turkey.
– Systematic monitoring and protection are crucial for the survival and rejuvenation of the species, which can dive down to 200 meters and reproduces in Cyprus from September to December.