Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak triggers livestock culling conflict in Cyprus

Veterinary authorities in Cyprus are managing an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, with 38 infected farms reported in the Larnaca district. Senior officer Sotiria Grigoriadou has emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to culling protocols, noting that failure to comply prevents the restoration of normal livestock operations. Veterinary staff have faced resistance and obstruction while performing their duties, leading to at least two reported incidents involving the police. Simultaneously, farmers are challenging the government's culling policy, citing concerns over mass animal deaths. They are preparing collective legal actions to halt the process and have staged public protests, including road closures. The issue is scheduled for further discussion at the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture this coming Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that vaccination efforts continue alongside the culling measures. Financial relief programs for affected farmers are currently being implemented to mitigate the economic impact.