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Livestock farmers protest against foot-and-mouth disease culling measures

Cypriot livestock farmers are seeking an urgent meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides to demand an end to the mass culling of animals caused by an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Stella Petrou, a representative for the protesting farmers, announced plans to submit a formal request for a meeting, warning of potential escalation if their demands are ignored. This follows a protest at the Rizoelia roundabout that caused significant traffic disruptions. Simultaneously, the Veterinary Services confirmed the enforcement of Decree K.D.P. 130/2026, issuing 45,000 euros in fines across eight cases of non-compliance, with six additional severe cases referred to the police. Agriculture Ministry Director General Andreas Gregoriou stated that strict biosecurity measures and vaccination remain the only viable strategies to contain the virus. Authorities emphasize that human movement and contaminated equipment are primary drivers of transmission. Despite the ongoing tension, the government maintains that compensation processes for milk, animal, and feed losses are currently underway.

Original Sources

Protest by livestock farmers in progress
Sigmalive English · 23 April 2026, 13:42
FMD spreads to over 100 farms, third pig unit hit
Cyprus Mail · 21 April 2026, 18:32
Foot-and-mouth outbreak: Third pig farm infected
Sigmalive English · 21 April 2026, 16:41