Newsroom
Cyprus’ livestock crisis is turning tense. Veterinarians are moving from farm to farm, culling animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease, and police are now escorting them to make sure the work can actually be done.
Over the past week, authorities have faced roadblocks and outright resistance from farmers unwilling to see their animals killed. In some cases, tensions have been so high that officers needed police backup just to get teams onto the farms safely.
Sotiria Georgiadou, spokesperson for the veterinary services, said, "We are trying to be by the farmers’ side, explain the measures, and manage the situation, but some people are really upset. Our teams need protection while doing this work.”
Keeping the virus in check
Officials warn that gatherings near infected farms could spread the virus further. “It’s as if we’re spreading the disease ourselves,” Georgiadou said. All biosecurity rules in the decree must be followed. Checkpoints are also active, with police checking movement permits for animal feed and ensuring no one breaks the restrictions.
A painful reality
For farmers, it’s a heartbreaking situation. Animals are being culled, livelihoods are at risk, and uncertainty is everywhere. But authorities stress that these painful measures are the only way to stop foot-and-mouth disease from devastating the wider livestock industry in Cyprus.
As the outbreak continues, vets will keep moving from farm to farm, escorted by police, balancing public safety, biosecurity, and the emotional toll on farmers caught in the middle.
