Geri: Farmers Refuse Sampling – Pipi Called

Tension prevails among farmers in Geri following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Farmers have reported threats from the Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipi, who has denied the allegations.

The area of Geri and Dali has been cordoned off within a 3 and 10 kilometer radius. Sampling, tracing and vaccinations are ongoing. On Saturday, farmers held a protest march towards the presidential palace.

Farmers are obstructing sampling, claiming that the same people who kill or spray animals also carry out the sampling without taking the necessary precautions.

On Friday, a farmer was arrested for obstructing a Veterinary official. He was released after a written charge. Videos show similar reactions from other farmers, who explain the reasons for their refusal to a police officer, who communicates with Mr. Pipi to handle the situation.