Livestock Farmers in Mesotopos Block Village Entrance in Mytilene

Livestock farmers in Mesotopos, Lesvos, have blocked the entrance to their village in protest against foot-and-mouth disease. They have set up a blockade at the community's borders since Sunday, April 19.

The farmers, representing one of the largest livestock farming villages in Lesvos with over 30,000 goats and sheep, have decided not to allow veterinary inspections of their herds, nor the slaughter of animals that tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease.

They demand the immediate implementation of a universal vaccination program for all goats and sheep in the region and throughout Lesvos. The director of the Cooperative, Manolis Konstantidellis, expressed the despair of the farmers, emphasizing that the animals are part of their life and soul.

After the assembly, a blockade was set up at the entrance of the village, which will remain active 24/7. According to reports, other villages in western Lesvos are expected to follow the example of Mesotopos.