**NICOSIA** – A wave of discontent is sweeping across Cyprus’s agricultural sector as livestock farmers prepare to march on the presidential palace this Saturday, protesting stringent culling measures enacted in response to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Farmers are vehemently opposing the destruction of healthy animals and demanding immediate clarity on compensation, alongside a fundamental reassessment of the testing protocols currently being employed.
The escalating tension, extensively reported by outlets such as *Kathimerini Cyprus* and the *Cyprus Mail*, centres on the perceived overreach of veterinary authorities. Farmers argue that the ongoing culling of animals, even those showing no signs of infection, is an unjustified and devastating blow to their livelihoods. The protest, scheduled to commence with a gathering at the GSP stadium at 10 am before proceeding to the presidential palace at 11 am, aims to convey a clear message: "stop the killing of our animals."
At the heart of the farmers' grievance lies a deep-seated scepticism regarding the scientific basis for the current culling strategy, particularly concerning vaccinated herds. Representatives of the agricultural community have voiced serious concerns that sampling procedures may not align with established European Union protocols. A critical point of contention is the validity of testing conducted on animals within a 28-day window following their second vaccine dose, a period during which, they contend, test results could be misleading. This uncertainty has fuelled demands for the option of independent laboratory testing, allowing farmers to seek external verification of their animals’ health status.
The economic ramifications of the outbreak and the subsequent culling are substantial. Farmers are not only facing the immediate loss of their livestock but also the destruction of valuable feed supplies and the precarious prospect of prolonged income disruption. Consequently, a central demand of the protest is the swift and transparent announcement of comprehensive compensation packages. This includes financial redress for livestock losses, reimbursement for destroyed feed, and crucial support to enable them to re-establish their operations.
Recent days have seen a palpable increase in friction. Earlier demonstrations, particularly in the Larnaca region, involved farmers employing tactics such as road blockades in an attempt to impede veterinary officials from accessing farms for mandatory sampling. A notable incident occurred in Yeri on Friday, where a farmer initially resisted entry to veterinary officials, leading to a tense standoff that was only resolved after police intervention. Despite these confrontations, veterinary services issued a statement on Friday reporting no new cases of foot-and-mouth disease detected, a claim that has done little to assuage the farmers' anxieties.
The emotional toll on these producers is profound. Speaking anonymously, one farmer articulated the deep psychological distress caused by the culling, questioning the long-term viability of their industry. "They tell us they will bring us other animals but if you destroy my state of mind, if you destroy me as a person, what will become of us?" This sentiment underscores the profound personal impact of the crisis, which extends far beyond mere economic losses. Farmers have also launched a public awareness campaign under the evocative slogan, "the people who feed you," aiming to garner broader public support for their plight. As the nation braces for Saturday's protest, the standoff between agricultural producers and veterinary authorities remains acutely volatile, with the future of Cyprus’s livestock sector hanging precariously in the balance.