There is intense concern among farmers as 14,500 animals have been culled so far. Despite assurances from President Nikos Christodoulides that the culling would not continue, farmers protest that it persists in certain areas, such as Aradippou, where recent culling occurred in units.
Farmers were informed that their animals would be culled if found infected, following the completion of necessary procedures, such as milk testing, hay analysis, and other parameters. The overall picture shows that out of 28,000 infected units, 14,500 animals have already been culled, while examinations continue in areas beyond Aradippou.
Farmers express intense concern as it is estimated that up to 800,000 animals could be lost with this approach. So far, checks have been conducted in 130 farming units, but the problem remains.
Spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou on Alpha emphasized that if an infected animal is found, the entire unit is culled according to European Commission guidelines. Additionally, vaccinations must be carried out exclusively by veterinarians since farmers are not trained to administer vaccines.
There is available medication for euthanasia, and new supplies are expected to meet the needs of the units. The situation remains critical, with farmers demanding immediate and rational management of the epidemic to protect their animals. According to her, the process concerns only cows suffering and spreading the virus, while she denied reports from farmers about culling healthy sheep and goats at present.
