President Christodoulides addresses foot-and-mouth disease crisis amid farmers' protests

As of May 2026, a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus has reached 120 infected units, including 103 sheep and goat farms, 14 cattle farms, and 3 pig farms. The crisis has resulted in the culling of approximately 71,000 animals, representing significant percentages of the national livestock. Three new cases were recently reported in the Nicosia district, specifically in Paliometocho, Mammari, and Kokkinotrimithia. Farmers have scheduled a protest at the Presidential Palace and are demanding secondary diagnostic testing. President Nikos Christodoulides has rejected claims of poor coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary Services, asserting that protocols currently do not require second tests. He stated he would personally handle the situation and expressed willingness to meet with agricultural organizations. Meanwhile, Veterinary Services cited weather conditions as a factor in sanitation issues at a burial site in Larnaca and have ordered the use of clay to manage the area.