Livestock farmers demand meeting with president amid foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
A delegation from the newly formed 'Voice of the Livestock Farmers' association met with Stavros Malas, head of the government's special committee for the livestock sector, on Saturday. The farmers' representative, Christodoulos Christodoulou, stated that they lack confidence in current planning and are demanding a direct meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides by Monday afternoon, warning of further protests if this is not granted. Meanwhile, Veterinary Services confirmed two new cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Athienou, bringing the total number of infected units to 110. As of Thursday, 39,810 sheep and goats, 2,247 cattle, and 24,483 pigs had been culled as part of control measures. Vaccination coverage has reached 81% for cattle and 64% for the sheep and goat population. Decisions regarding rare breeds of red cattle and fat-tailed sheep are pending and expected in the coming days. Mr. Malas urged farmers to ignore speculation regarding the government's intent, emphasizing that the focus remains on disease containment.