Cypriot Pig Farmers Fear Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak: "50% Won't Reinvest"

The President of the Pancyprian Pig Farmers Association, Petros Kailas, estimates that 50% of pig farmers will not rebuild their units due to the uncertainty caused by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Speaking to CNA, he stated that the situation is worsened by the fact that Turkish Cypriots are vaccinating their animals, unlike the Greek Cypriot efforts to eradicate the virus.

Commenting on the second foot-and-mouth case in Palaiochori, Kailas called it "unfortunately expected" due to the close proximity of the three pig farms in the area. He expressed hope that the third pig farm would not be infected.

Regarding compensation, Kailas said that initial government assistance has been provided, while awaiting European Union approval for further compensation, a process estimated to take about two months.

Finally, regarding the livestock farmers' protest in Nicosia, Kailas pleaded ignorance and referred to the Ministry of Agriculture for more information. Panikos Kaponas, on behalf of the Coordinating Committee of Goat and Sheep Breeders, stated that he did not participate in the protest due to the situation with foot-and-mouth disease.