Livadia farmer protests euthanasia of animals
The ongoing Larnaca livestock culling of animals suspected of foot-and-mouth disease has triggered strong reactions from farmers in the Livadia area.
Speaking on the “Protoselido” programme, livestock farmer Spyros Kyriakou expressed outrage over the decision by Veterinary Services to euthanise animals he says show no symptoms of the disease.
“The animals have no symptoms at all. The Veterinary Services are not listening to us and they are killing our animals. We are wondering what will happen,” he said.
Kyriakou added that farmers themselves had called in private veterinarians to examine the livestock.
“If the animals are sick, then kill them. We have no objection. But our animals are producing normally. They are completely healthy,” he stressed.
Dispute over test results
According to Kyriakou, blood samples were taken from the animals and farmers were later informed by phone that the results were positive.
He claimed authorities presented them with a document- without an official stamp- stating that the animals were positive and asking farmers to sign confirmation.
“They told us the animals were negative in saliva and blood tests, but positive in another test they conducted,” he said.
“The animals are not sick. They simply have antibodies.”
Concerns over handling of outbreak
The farmer also accused authorities of delays in responding after cases were detected in the occupied areas of Cyprus.
He claimed that vehicles collecting dead animals, as well as tankers transporting milk and animal feed, continued moving freely between farms.
“What protection measures were taken? Spraying tyres now- what does that achieve?” he asked.
Kyriakou added that wild birds, stray dogs, and foxes move freely around farms, which he believes increases the risk of disease spread.
Thousands of animals at risk
The farmer said between 3,500 and 4,000 asymptomatic animals are currently in his livestock unit.
When asked about the document he was asked to sign, Kyriakou confirmed he refused.
“They constantly cite European regulations. But did they consider what applies in Cyprus? Farms here are metres apart, not kilometres,” he said.
He insisted he would not allow officials to enter his farm to euthanise the animals.
“We are in the 21st century. For God’s sake, killing animals? If I hit a dog on the road I could go to prison. Is there really a regulation that allows the killing of thousands of animals? Is there no treatment?” he said.
Questions over spread of disease
Kyriakou also questioned why the outbreak appears geographically limited.
“As we are told, this disease can travel 30 kilometres per day. Since the first herd was diagnosed on February 19, if we count the days, the disease should have already passed Paphos,” he said.
“Why is it limited to Oroklini and Livadia, or are there other motives?” he asked.
Also read: New cases of foot and mouth disease in 11 livestock farms
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