Larnaca, Cyprus. Livestock farmers blocked roads in Larnaca on Saturday as protests intensified over the mandatory killing of animals linked to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
Roadblocks and attempts to prevent culling
Farmers first gathered early in the morning in the livestock area of Oroklini where they sought to prevent veterinary officials from entering units to carry out culling measures.
Protesters blocked roads leading to the farms and positioned vehicles across access routes while police officers were deployed to the scene to monitor the situation.
Anger among farmers was symbolised by a coffin placed on the roof of one of the vehicles at the protest site.
Despite heavy rain and poor weather conditions, farmers remained in the area saying they would not allow the animals of a colleague to be destroyed.
Protest spreads to Aradippou
The protest later spread to Aradippou where farmers blocked the road linking Aradippou with Athienou.
Agricultural organisations were expected to brief producers there on the outcome of contacts with government officials and the European animal health commissioner, Oliver Varhelyi.
Farmers were due to decide their next steps following the meeting and warned that further action could follow.
Farmer cites emotional impact
One affected livestock farmer described the emotional toll of the measures, saying that although authorities have promised that animals would eventually be replaced, the damage went beyond financial loss.
“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?” he remarked.
How do you think authorities should balance disease control measures with the concerns of affected farmers?
