Sheep farmers speak of economic devastation
George Demetriou, spokesperson for the Coordinating Group of Sheep and Goat Farmers, described the foot-and-mouth crisis as an economic disaster threatening the viability of livestock units.
Speaking on Sigma’s programme “Mesimeri kai Kati”, he said the situation is “desperate” and warned that within days “the livelihoods of entire families are being lost”. Without immediate state support, he added, “the outlook will be very bleak”.
Losses reaching €1.5 million
Demetriou explained that, based on instructions from the district veterinary office, animals at his own unit – which has around 2,000 sheep – are being led to slaughter. A neighbouring unit with 3,500 sheep faces a similar situation.
“My own losses amount to around €1 to €1.1 million, and my neighbour’s to €1.4 to €1.5 million, based on real market values,” he said.
He stressed that the issue goes beyond the value of livestock. According to him, these figures represent three to four years of income, based on the financial performance of the past two to three years.
“You lose your income and you will not be able to cope,” he noted, adding that the sector had only recently begun to show positive momentum after difficult years.
Criticism of Veterinary Services director
Demetriou strongly criticised the Director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, accusing him of targeting specific units.
“He must stop publicly defaming honest people without evidence,” he said, alleging that the director’s public stance singles out individuals. He warned that he will pursue legal action if necessary.
Regarding references to contaminated hay or feed from the occupied areas, Demetriou said he does not rule out any scenario but stressed that farmers are not responsible for controlling the Green Line. “We are not the scapegoats,” he stated.
Calls for decisive action
Demetriou maintained that his unit did not delay informing the authorities. He noted that sheep are almost asymptomatic, unlike cattle where symptoms are more pronounced.
He also criticised statements about airborne transmission, referring to an incident in which, he claimed, an official responded “there is no wind these days” when asked about an open truck transporting infected carcasses.
He questioned whether authorities should have waited for confirmed cases in a specific area before suspending wider animal movements nationwide. “We do not want someone describing events. We want decisions,” he stressed.
Allegations of poor crisis management
Demetriou further alleged shortcomings in crisis management, claiming that crews visiting his unit asked for protective suits in order to carry out their work. “This is completely unacceptable,” he said.
He added that instead of offering psychological support to affected professionals, authorities are calling them to give statements to the police. “We are not criminals,” he said.
In closing, Demetriou reiterated that there was “no delay” at his unit and firmly rejected claims of concealment or spreading of the virus.
Also read: How the meat market may be affected by foot-and-mouth disease
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