Farmers protest and negotiate over foot-and-mouth disease response in Cyprus

Tensions between Cypriot livestock farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture persist regarding the management of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. On Monday, approximately 50 farmers protested in Palaiometocho, blocking roads to prevent the transport of culled cattle to a burial site, citing fears of virus spread through improper protocols. Christodoulos Pipis, Director of Veterinary Services, defended the state's actions as legal and necessary for public health, rejecting claims of procedural violations. A follow-up meeting was held on Tuesday between Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and representatives of the 'Voice of Farmers' group to discuss compensation and future industry sustainability. While compensation values were finalized by an advisory committee, farmers remain dissatisfied with the overall handling of the crisis. Livestock groups expressed concerns that the virus might persist if adequate measures are not applied in the occupied territories as well. Further meetings and potential mobilizations are planned by the farmers to address outstanding issues like bank loan freezes and support measures.