Philenews

Farmers Dispute Veterinary Services Claims: No Sampling After Outbreak in Occupied Territories

Published February 25, 2026, 14:15
Farmers Dispute Veterinary Services Claims: No Sampling After Outbreak in Occupied Territories

Farmers in Oroklini are disputing claims by Veterinary Services that sampling was conducted in their areas after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak was detected in the occupied territories. They claim that no officials came to take samples, despite Oroklini being located close to the ceasefire line. MP Andreas Pasourtidis stated in Parliament that sampling had been carried out at farms less than 3 kilometers from the occupied territories, a claim disputed by the Oroklini farmers. Parliament has requested a written list of sampling dates and times across Cyprus. The farmers also complain that they have not received written results from laboratory tests, while the culling of animals has already begun. They point out that the total damage in their area amounts to 1.5 million euros and are calling for immediate compensation. AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou called on the Government to immediately support the farmers, expressing their concern and anger over the negligence of the authorities.