Farmers protest in Nicosia against mass culling due to foot-and-mouth disease

On Sunday, April 19, livestock farmers organized a protest in Nicosia following the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in pig farms, particularly in Paliometocho. Protesters gathered at the GSP stadium area and marched to the Ministry of Agriculture to express their opposition to the mass culling of animals. Farmers blocked the entrance to Nicosia at the Kalispera lights, prompting police to redirect traffic. The demonstrators argue that mass culling is excessive, citing one case where only 20 out of 15,000 pigs were infected. They also criticized the culling methods, which involve using poisonous gas in containers. The farmers submitted a memorandum to the President of the Republic and the Minister of Agriculture. They have warned of further protests at Rizoelia if they do not receive a satisfactory response by the following Monday.