Farmers launch protest over animal culling
A protest in Cyprus is taking place today, as groups of farmers mobilise against the mass culling of animals linked to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.
The demonstration has been scheduled for 11:00 at the Rizoelia roundabout, with participation expected from livestock farmers across all districts.
Coordinated gatherings across districts
Farmers from Limassol and Paphos are set to gather at Monte Caputo at 10:00, while a central meeting point for all regions has been designated at the Cosmyria centre at 10:45.
According to organisers, the protest in Cyprus aims to bring together farmers from across the island in a coordinated effort to highlight their concerns.
Main demands from farmers
Speaking to CNA, farmers’ representative Stella Petrou said the main demand is the suspension of blanket culling measures in farms where only a small number of infections have been detected.
She stressed that the action is not intended to cause disruption to the public, noting that only one lane of traffic in each direction will be closed during the protest.
“Traffic will continue normally through the remaining lane. Our aim is not to inconvenience the public,” she said.
Traffic arrangements in place
Authorities have confirmed traffic management measures for the protest to ensure road safety and minimise disruption.
Police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos told CNA that arrangements are in place both for the smooth conduct of the protest and for the uninterrupted continuation of official events linked to the Cyprus EU Presidency.
Balancing protests and public activity
While farmers continue to express concern over disease control policies, authorities are seeking to balance public order with the right to demonstrate.
The situation comes amid wider pressure on the agricultural sector as Cyprus continues to manage outbreaks affecting livestock farms.
Also read: Informal EU summit begins in Cyprus today
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
