Dozens of farmers from across Cyprus gathered on Saturday morning in the livestock area of Oroklini, determined to prevent Veterinary Services officers from entering the premises and proceeding with the culling of sheep and goats at a colleague’s farm.
The protesters blocked access roads in a move that highlighted the anger of the farming community over foot-and-mouth disease control measures. A powerful symbol of their defiance was a coffin placed on the roof of a vehicle — an image that speaks volumes about the feelings of those watching their herds face destruction.
Despite rain and adverse weather conditions, the number of those gathered continued to grow. Farmers from Limassol and Paphos rushed to the scene, demonstrating that this is an issue affecting the entire sector. Larnaca Assistant Police Director Stavros Foukkaris addressed the farmers, who made it clear they had no intention of leaving the area.
For its part, the government maintained a measured stance. Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that the right to protest “is absolutely respected,” but emphasised that foot-and-mouth disease is an extremely contagious virus and that gatherings increase the risk of its spread. According to him, the opinions of experts must be taken into account.
