Livestock farmers issue ultimatum to President regarding foot-and-mouth disease response
As of May 4, 2026, 110 farms in Cyprus have been affected by a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, with recent cases reported in Athienou. The Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, linked the spread to illegal animal trafficking in the Nicosia and Larnaca districts and stressed the legal obligation to follow EU protocols requiring the culling of livestock. Livestock owners, represented by the newly formed group 'Voice of Livestock Farmers' led by Christodoulos Christodoulou, are demanding an immediate halt to culling, particularly for rare breeds like the Mesaoria sheep and red cows. The farmers have criticized the government’s reliance on Stavros Malas's scientific committee, arguing it ignores current economic and cultural crises for long-term planning. The farmers held a meeting with Malas on Saturday but expressed dissatisfaction, subsequently issuing an ultimatum for a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides by Monday afternoon. Failure to secure this meeting will lead to further organized protests. While authorities cite EU law for the culling mandates, farmers claim the measures are destroying their livelihoods and cultural heritage.