Livestock farmers form association to protest foot-and-mouth disease measures

Livestock farmers in Cyprus have officially established a new association named "The Voice of Farmers" following ongoing protests regarding the government's management of foot-and-mouth disease. The group, which registered 95 members, is calling for an immediate meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides to present six specific demands. Their proposals include prioritizing emergency vaccination and targeted isolation over the total culling of herds, as well as mandatory secondary laboratory testing before any animals are euthanized. The association also seeks financial compensation for income loss and increased transparency in decision-making and sampling processes. Farmers have set a deadline for Monday afternoon for the President to respond to their request, warning of escalating protests, including potential disruptions to airports, if their demands for dialogue remain unaddressed. Meanwhile, veterinary experts state that the presence of antibodies in animals does not negate the necessity of current containment protocols, as infection is required for immunity. The farmers have temporarily suspended protest actions while awaiting a response from the Presidential Palace.