Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak intensifies in Cyprus as farmers protest government response

Three new cases of foot-and-mouth disease were identified in the Nicosia district, specifically in Mammari, Paliometocho, and Kokkinotrimithia, bringing the total number of infected units across Cyprus to 120. Since the outbreak began in February, approximately 71,000 animals, including 43,000 sheep and goats, 3,000 cattle, and 24,000 pigs, have been culled to contain the spread. Agricultural organizations and a newly formed group, the Voice of Livestock Farmers, have expressed frustration over the handling of the crisis, arguing that current measures are insufficient and calling for fair compensation. The groups have requested an urgent meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, claiming the issue requires political intervention beyond technical veterinary procedures. President Christodoulides has rejected allegations of mismanagement and failure in coordination, insisting that the spread of the virus was caused by a lack of compliance with protocols by certain farmers. He maintains that international veterinary standards do not require a second round of testing, which farmers have persistently demanded. The President has promised to personally oversee the management of the crisis and is expected to engage with stakeholders as livestock farmers organize a protest outside the Presidential Palace.