Farmer hospitalized after foot-and-mouth disease culling order in Athienou

A 63-year-old livestock farmer from Athienou was hospitalized after suffering a cardiac episode following a notification from veterinary services. On Wednesday, June 3, the farmer was informed via email that all 57 animals in his herd were scheduled to be culled on the morning of Thursday, June 4, due to the detection of foot-and-mouth disease. Authorities reported that 5 out of the 57 animals tested positive for the virus, while the farmer's family disputes the findings, citing private scientific opinions that the results indicate antibodies rather than active infection. Following the farmer's medical emergency, the family requested a postponement of the culling, which the veterinary services rescheduled for Friday, June 5. Foot-and-mouth disease has also been confirmed in three other large farms in the Athienou area. The farmer remains under medical observation, and current veterinary plans involve the culling of the entire herd of 57 animals.