Confusion and strong reactions have emerged over the handling of the foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreak in Pachna, with livestock farmers preparing a protest on Friday outside the Presidential Palace.
At the same time, a lack of coordination between the authorities is evident, with Veterinary Services setting clear limits and insisting there is no deviation from existing procedures. This contrasts with the Ministry of Agriculture, which is reportedly said to have agreed to conduct second rounds of sampling.
Responding to journalists’ questions in Limassol, the President Christodoulides stressed that “cooperation from everyone is necessary,” adding that “either we all work together or we will not be able to manage this crisis.” Asked about farmers’ complaints regarding protocols and handling, he noted that “the virus did not arrive in Pachna on its own, something happened for it to reach this point,” while avoiding attributing blame to farmers.
At the same time, agricultural organisations PEK, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki Kinisi and Euroagrotikos have requested a meeting with the President.
Promises of second testing
Farmers in Pachna were reportedly assured last week, before the elections, that no animals would be culled without a second round of testing to confirm positive results. Although additional samples were taken, they were never examined following instructions from the Director of Veterinary Services, in order to ensure equal treatment and adherence to protocols.
This development has increased dissatisfaction among farmers, who had expected a change in the procedure. At the same time, it remains unclear when and how culling will proceed, at least for the affected unit.
Farmers have intensified their reactions, making clear since Tuesday that they will not allow culling or new testing procedures. They say they are determined to continue their protest and take the matter to the end.
A group of livestock farmers has called for a demonstration on Friday outside the Presidential Palace. According to a social media post, they are urging mass participation under the slogan “Our voice must be heard”, with a gathering scheduled at 10:00 at GSP Stadium, followed by a march to the Presidential Palace at 11:00.
