Livestock breeders in Cyprus say they are awaiting a response from the European Commission regarding their request to stop the mass culling of healthy animals that are not infected with foot-and-mouth disease.
The response is expected by Thursday or Friday, following an appeal that President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides is expected to convey to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on behalf of farmers.
Farmers gather to discuss developments
On Monday evening, cattle and sheep farmers from all districts of the free areas of Cyprus gathered in Choirokoitia to discuss developments related to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
During the meeting, they repeated their demand for the immediate suspension of the culling of animals that do not show symptoms of the virus.
Livestock farmer Anastasios Zannetou said the gathering demonstrated unity among farmers.
“We are here today to prove – and we have succeeded – that we are more united than ever. This message is very satisfying for us,” he said.
He added that farmers respect the efforts made by the government and President Christodoulides, while expressing hope for a positive response from the President of the European Commission.
“We expect a positive outcome regarding our request to stop the mass culling of healthy animals, and we hope that the issue will be resolved by Thursday,” Zannetou said.
He also stressed that farmers are demanding an immediate halt to all culling measures until a new decree or protocol is issued.
“Our next decisions will be taken after Thursday,” he added.
Call for vaccination and compensation
Livestock breeder Andria Pithara also emphasised the unity among farmers.
“The message of today is that we are very united, and this is extremely positive,” she said.
Asked what actions farmers might take if their demands are not accepted, she said they are waiting for the response from the President of the Republic before making further statements.
Farmers reiterated their main demands, including:
- Immediate suspension of the culling of asymptomatic animals
- Vaccination of all livestock
- Immediate compensation for affected farmers