Members of the farmers’ group 'Voice of Farmers' are escalating their reactions, maintaining that the mass culling of animals due to foot‑and‑mouth disease is not the solution to the problem. At the same time, they express strong doubts about the effectiveness of the protocol being implemented.
Speaking on state radio, the president of the organisation, Neophytos Neophytou, said that members have been in Pachna since last night, where cases were identified in a small unit, calling for the culling of animals not to proceed.
He noted that farmers are demanding repeat testing of the positive samples.
Mr Neophytou argued that most animals classified as positive are in fact completely healthy and show no symptoms.
He also reiterated that no one can guarantee that even if all animals in government‑controlled areas are culled, the problem will not return, as the virus is present in the occupied areas.
He further stated that farmers are calling for a review of the overall disease management strategy and a clear plan from the state for the next day.
Source: CyBC
