Farmers end protests as veterinary authorities enforce foot-and-mouth disease measures
Cypriot farmers ended their blockade of the Rizoelia roundabout near Larnaca on April 24, 2026, after negotiations with the Ministry of Agriculture in Nicosia failed. The protesters demanded an end to the mandatory culling of healthy animals on infected farms and sought revised compensation terms. Agriculture Ministry Director General Andreas Grigoriou rejected claims of unequal treatment, stating that culling protocols are mandatory under EU law to prevent the virus from spreading and to protect the domestic livestock sector. Official figures reveal that 104 farming units across Nicosia and Larnaca have been affected, with approximately 37,000 sheep and goats and 21,000 pigs subject to culling. Veterinary services have issued eight administrative fines totaling 45,000 euros for transport violations, with six additional cases referred to the police. Authorities emphasize that full compensation for animals and materials will be paid within 90 days of confirmation, with initial payments expected by May 20. Officials reiterated that biosecurity compliance remains the only way to contain the outbreak.