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VIDEO / Farmers in Geri Refuse Sampling, Police Called In

Published March 21, 2026, 14:57
VIDEO / Farmers in Geri Refuse Sampling, Police Called In

There is unrest among farmers in Geri after a case of foot and mouth disease was detected in a unit in the area. Farmers have reported receiving threats from the Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pippi, to call the Police, which he denies, explaining that the Police were called for other reasons. The area of Geri and Dali has been cordoned off with the help of the Police, while spraying is taking place and sampling, tracing and vaccinations continue. Farmers held a protest march outside the Presidential Palace on Saturday. Farmers are reacting to the sampling process, arguing that the same people who cull animals or spray the units are the ones who take blood samples, while according to the instructions, 48 hours should pass after contact with a positive animal. One farmer was arrested and charged with obstructing sampling, but was released. Videos circulating show farmers refusing entry to a Veterinary Services official to their units, explaining their reasons to a police officer at the scene. The Police contacted Mr. Pippi to coordinate the handling of the situation.