President Christodoulides addresses foot-and-mouth disease crisis amid farmer protests

As of May 28, 2026, Cyprus faces an ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak with 120 infected livestock units reported nationwide. Three new cases were confirmed in Paliometocho, Mammari, and Kokkinotrimithia, involving a small number of sheep and goats. Since February 2026, approximately 71,000 animals have been culled, including 43,000 sheep/goats, 24,000 pigs, and 3,000 cattle. Farmers have scheduled a protest outside the Presidential Palace to express dissatisfaction with culling policies and waste management. While the Veterinary Services claim that burial sites were properly managed and affected by rainfall, citizens have reported odors and exposed carcasses in Athienou. President Nikos Christodoulides held an internal meeting to review the crisis and plans to meet with agricultural organizations and an epidemiological team next Tuesday. The President emphasized that current protocols do not require second sampling tests and stressed the need for strict compliance with health rules to stop the virus spread.