Foot-and-mouth disease crisis and protests in Cyprus
Cyprus is facing a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting 104 units, including 13 cattle farms, 88 sheep and goat farms, and 3 pig farms across Nicosia and Larnaca. To date, approximately 37,000 sheep and goats, 2,200 cattle, and 21,000 pigs have been or are being culled to contain the spread. On April 23, 2026, farmer representatives held a four-hour meeting with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou to demand an end to the culling, but their request was rejected. The government maintains that culling is a strict EU regulatory requirement, and failure to comply could risk Cyprus's exclusion from the Single Market. Following the failed negotiations, farmers blocked the Rizoelia roundabout indefinitely, causing traffic chaos and travel disruptions. Police reported that by April 24, 2026, the protesters had cleared the site and traffic was restored. Officials also addressed allegations regarding unauthorized animal transport in Paliometocho, denying such permits were issued.