Livestock farmers announce protest over foot-and-mouth disease management

On Friday, May 29, members of the 'Voice of Livestock Farmers' organization will hold a protest in Nicosia regarding the government's management of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Participants plan to gather at the GSP Stadium at 10:00 before marching to the Presidential Palace, with an expected arrival time of 11:00. The farmers are demanding an immediate end to animal culling and mandatory sampling, as well as fair compensation for lost livestock. Representatives Stella Petrou and Neofytos Neofytou stated that the current compensation figures are inadequate and expressed concern over reports that farmers with losses due to theft or other deaths would be excluded. They are calling for clear government responses and have warned that if their demands are not met, a larger protest will follow on June 4. The outbreak has reportedly reached Pakhna and Palaiometocho, heightening the tension between the farmers and the Veterinary Services. Coordination with police is underway to manage traffic during the march.