Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Protests and Allegations of Animal Slaughter in Cyprus

Agricultural organizations in Cyprus are planning protests, demanding an end to the slaughter of healthy animals and calling for universal vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease. Following a meeting in Aradippou, livestock farmers expressed strong dissatisfaction with current practices.

The General Secretary of Panagrotikos, Tasos Giapanis, stated that they will ask President Nikos Christodoulidis to stop the killing of animals without clinical symptoms. He warned of escalating protests if their demands are not met.

Panikos Hampas, General Secretary of EKA, argued that foot-and-mouth disease has become established in Cyprus due to the transfer of the virus from the occupied territories and the vaccination policy implemented in Turkey. He also made allegations of inhumane methods of animal slaughter.

Lambros Achilleos, President of Euroagrotikos, called on the President to take patriotic measures, while Christos Papapetrou, President of PEK, stressed the need for decisions that serve the interests of Cyprus, regardless of European regulations.