Members of the “Voice of Farmers” group decided to travel to Pachna on Thursday after a new foot-and-mouth disease case was detected in the area, aiming to prevent the culling of animals and demand fresh examinations.
Speaking on SIGMA’s “Protoselido” programme, the group’s president, Neophytos Neophytou, said the virus has now spread across Cyprus, leaving authorities with limited options.
He said livestock breeders collectively decided during a meeting on Wednesday night that they would “stand in front of the cullings” in an effort to stop further destruction of animals.
Concerns over future livestock
Neophytou argued that foot-and-mouth disease has existed in Cyprus for decades and claimed the virus was introduced after 1974.
“We lived with foot-and-mouth disease, we live with it, and we will continue to live with it,” he said.
He warned that farmers are receiving no clear answers about what will happen if newly bred animals become infected in the future.
“The virus exists and it will not disappear. We simply destroyed our animals. Livestock numbers in the government-controlled areas are now almost lower than those in the occupied areas,” he added.
Farmers demand answers
The latest developments have increased tensions among livestock breeders, who fear the long-term impact of continued cullings on Cyprus’ farming sector.
The group is calling on authorities to reassess the handling of foot-and-mouth disease cases and provide clearer guidance on future livestock protection measures.
Also read: First foot-and-mouth disease case detected in Limassol
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