Demands to End Culling of Healthy Animals Due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Agricultural organizations in Cyprus are demanding an end to the culling of healthy animals not affected by foot-and-mouth disease and the commencement of universal vaccination. The organizations are planning a meeting with the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, to express their concerns and propose alternative solutions.

According to statements by the General Secretary of Panagrotikos, Tasos Giapanis, the agricultural organizations will request an immediate end to the policy of total animal culling and the implementation of universal vaccination. They also warned of mobilizations if their demands are not met.

The General Secretary of EKA, Panikos Hampas, emphasized that foot-and-mouth disease is now a permanent problem in Cyprus due to the transfer of the virus from Turkey to the occupied territories. He appealed for an end to the killing of animals with chisels, calling the allegation unacceptable.

Furthermore, Lambros Achilleos, President of Evroagrotikos, called on the President to behave patriotically and not eliminate livestock farming to eliminate the virus. Christos Papapetrou, President of PEK, stressed that decisions on foot-and-mouth disease should be taken with the interests of Cyprus in mind.

It is noted that complications arose during the animal culling process, with farmers obstructing the work of the Veterinary Services. The Ministry of Agriculture is in communication with the European Commission, requesting an end to mass culling.