Veterinary Services Reject Request to Stop Mass Culling

The Veterinary Services have rejected the request from livestock farmers to halt the mass culling of animals in cases of foot-and-mouth disease. The services refer to the law and urge farmers to stop gatherings in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

In a statement, the Veterinary Services emphasized that they stand by the livestock farmers and call for the strict implementation of biosecurity measures. They also state that the mass culling of animals is not an option, but a legal obligation, according to Regulation (EU) 2020/687.

Regarding compensation, beneficiaries whose animals were culled before Easter have already received an advance payment, while the rest will be paid within April. Compensation for the destruction of hay will be paid in the coming weeks.

Livestock farmers protested outside the Ministry of Agriculture and threatened to block the Rizoelia roundabout, the airport, and the port of Larnaca if the mass culling does not stop. Stella Petrou, a representative of the livestock farmers, stated that they demand an immediate response from the minister.

Detailed information on the measures and payment methods is available on the website www.footandmouth.gov.cy.