Cyprus has a big problem. It is fighting a sickness for animals. This sickness is called foot-and-mouth disease.
Many farmers in Geri do not want vets to test their animals. These tests are important. They stop the sickness from spreading. When farmers stop vets, it is hard to control the sickness.
The country found the first case in February. The government is working fast. Soteria Georgiadou said tests are happening now. They look for the sickness everywhere. They also check animals from January. This helps find where it started.
Farmers must let vets test animals. Animals get two tests. One test is quick. The other test is more detailed. If a test is good, the animal is sick.
Because some farmers in Geri said no, sick cows were killed. More animals will be killed. The government also gives shots to animals. More shots are planned.
Ms. Georgiadou said farmers must help. Farmers who stop tests will pay money. The government thinks this sickness is bad. It is bad for health and money.
This sickness hurts farms in Cyprus. It also hurts what Cyprus sells. Everyone must help with tests and shots. The problem in Geri is hard. But the government wants help. This will keep animals healthy.