Sigma Live

Livestock Farmers Obstructed Sampling – Cite Legislation

Published March 18, 2026, 17:13
Livestock Farmers Obstructed Sampling – Cite Legislation

Livestock farmers have obstructed sampling efforts as part of the efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease, citing a specific article of legislation. According to the Spokesperson of the Veterinary Services, Sotiria Georgiou, culling continues in three locations, while vaccination has been achieved in 85+% of cattle and 49.3% of sheep and goats island-wide. Ms. Georgiou stated that the Advisory Committee discussed the situation and set timelines for better coordination. Sampling is essential for epidemiological investigation and identifying the extent of the problem, while legislation provides for a second vaccination followed by sampling. The farmers who reacted invoke their right to vaccinate their animals a second time before sampling. The tests being carried out detect only antibodies from natural infection, not from vaccine, Ms. Georgiou assured. Finally, it was mentioned that guidelines for harvesting in restricted areas are being considered.