Palaiometocho, Cyprus. The transfer of dead animals to a burial site designated by veterinary services in the Palaiometocho area was completed on Monday despite protests by livestock farmers, police sources said.
Roadblocks and farmers’ concerns
Around 50 livestock breeders gathered in the area and briefly blocked roads leading mainly towards the buffer zone in an effort to stop trucks transporting dead cows to the designated site. Farmers said they were concerned about a possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease, noting that livestock farms are located along the transport route.
Police response
Police said the protest ended without any incidents or complaints reported.
Criticism from livestock farmers’ group
Stella Petrou, spokesperson for the livestock farmers’ group “The Voice of Livestock Farmers”, criticised the handling of the process. She said animals were being buried without protocols and that transporting dead animals past livestock units was unacceptable.
Meeting at agriculture ministry
Petrou said the group would issue a public statement following Tuesday’s meeting at the agriculture ministry with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
What do you think should be done to address livestock farmers’ concerns about the transport route and burial protocols?