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Farmers Protest Cost of Disinfection Measures – “It’s €6500”

Published February 27, 2026, 14:08
Farmers Protest Cost of Disinfection Measures – “It’s €6500”

Cattle farmers in Athienou are strongly reacting to a letter from the Department of Agriculture regarding the cost of disinfection measures to protect against foot-and-mouth disease. The letter states that the cost covered by the state for each disinfection point will not exceed €5,000, while the farmers of Athienou have paid €6,500 per point. In order not to delay the measures, the farmers took over the cost of automated wheel disinfection systems at eight points, after the Municipality of Athienou was unable to cover the emergency need. The Department of Agriculture's letter, which is addressed to the Municipalities, states the limits of cost coverage but does not take into account the fact that in Athienou the cost is borne by the farmers. The President of the Cattle Breeders Association of Athienou expresses his dissatisfaction, emphasizing that the amount stated in the letter does not cover the cost they paid. In addition, the farmers also cover the cost of disinfectants, which are not provided to them by the Ministry. This situation has caused tension and the farmers are demanding coverage of the actual cost they have incurred to protect the area from the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.