Farmers to gather in organised demonstration
Livestock farmers in Cyprus will proceed with a protest on Thursday at 11:00 am at the Rizoelia roundabout, voicing strong opposition to the handling of foot-and-mouth disease and its impact on the sector.
The mobilisation reflects growing frustration within the industry, as farmers face rising financial pressure and unresolved compensation issues linked to animal culling measures.
Livestock sector under severe pressure
Speaking on Sigma’s “Protoselido” programme, livestock farmers’ representative Stella Petrou described the situation as critical. She said conditions have reached a breaking point, with many professionals struggling under mounting debt and economic strain.
She stressed that the foot-and-mouth protest comes after repeated concerns that authorities have not adequately addressed the sector’s needs during the ongoing crisis.
Tensions over disease management measures
Petrou also referred to a tense meeting with Veterinary Services officials during the culling of animals. She claimed that farmers were met with a dismissive attitude, arguing that authorities insisted on strict protocol implementation without engaging in dialogue on alternative solutions.
The comments have further fuelled dissatisfaction ahead of the planned foot-and-mouth protest, with farmers calling for more direct consultation and practical support measures.
Compensation delays deepen frustration
A major point of concern remains compensation payments. Petrou said no funds have been disbursed so far, despite earlier announcements of €20 to €35 per animal.
She added that even basic operational costs remain unpaid, increasing financial pressure on affected farmers. The lack of payments has become a central demand of the foot-and-mouth protest.
Concerns over disease control strategy
Farmers also questioned the effectiveness of current containment measures, arguing that continued culling has not stopped the spread of the disease.
They further raised concerns about unequal practices compared to areas in the occupied north, calling for consistent implementation of biosecurity measures across the island.
Petrou said farmers began implementing preventive measures as early as December, but the situation has continued to deteriorate, with obligations and losses accumulating.
Also read: Animal Party demands transparency on culling of infected animals
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