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Livestock Farmers' Outrage in Geri: "Stop with the Lies, We're Tired"

Published March 19, 2026, 12:14
Livestock Farmers' Outrage in Geri: "Stop with the Lies, We're Tired"

Livestock farmers in the Geri area of Nicosia are protesting against a lack of communication with the Veterinary Services regarding the sampling process for foot-and-mouth disease. Farmers claim they received late-night calls requesting samples, despite having already vaccinated their animals and informing authorities that sampling should occur 28 days after the second dose of the vaccine. The Veterinary Services responded that a €5,000 fine would be imposed, which the farmers consider illegal. They have decided to bring in veterinarians from abroad to conduct the necessary tests. The farmers express their anxiety about the safety of their animals and the feeling that they have no control over their farms. They report that they have not been adequately informed about foot-and-mouth disease and the procedures they should follow, while questioning the reliability of the tests being conducted. They point out that test results are often contradictory, with animals testing positive for the virus even after vaccination. Kyriakos Spanoudis, President of the Veterinary Council, warned that farmers' refusal to cooperate with the authorities hinders the fight against foot-and-mouth disease and increases its transmission. He stressed that obstructing sampling delays the management of the problem and that farmers must cooperate with the competent authorities to protect animal health. The situation has caused tension and anxiety in the area, with farmers feeling that their needs and concerns are not being taken into account. They are calling for transparency and information regarding the control and sampling procedures, as well as reliable and consistent test results. Safeguarding animal health and protecting livestock farming are a priority for the region.