Cyprus livestock farmers to protest in Nicosia against foot-and-mouth disease culling measures

Nicosia, Cyprus. Livestock farmers have announced a nationwide protest on Saturday in Nicosia, marching to the presidential palace in opposition to ongoing culling measures linked to foot-and-mouth disease. Demonstrators say they want further culling halted and compensation clarified.

Protest plans and demands

Demonstrators will gather at the GSP stadium at 10am before marching at 11am. Organisers are calling for an immediate halt to further culling and demanding clarity on compensation.

Concerns over culling and testing procedures

In a statement issued on Friday, farmers said they oppose the “indiscriminate killing of healthy and asymptomatic animals” and claim sampling procedures are being carried out outside European protocols, particularly in vaccinated herds. They argue that testing conducted within 28 days of a second vaccine dose is invalid and have called for the option of private laboratory testing.

Compensation and support calls

Organisers have demanded the immediate announcement of compensation, warning that affected producers remain without clear information. Agricultural representatives have called for full compensation covering livestock losses, feed destruction and lost income, alongside financial support to restart operations.

Previous demonstrations and emotional impact

The protest follows earlier demonstrations in Larnaca, where farmers blocked roads and attempted to prevent veterinary officials from accessing farms. One farmer said at the time, “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?”

Veterinary services update

Earlier on Friday, veterinary services said no new cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been detected, as testing and containment measures continue across the island.

What do you expect the government’s next steps will be on compensation and culling measures?