Philenews

Farmer Disputes Positive Foot-and-Mouth Disease Result, Requests Re-Examination

Published February 26, 2026, 12:13
Farmer Disputes Positive Foot-and-Mouth Disease Result, Requests Re-Examination

A farmer from Troulloi is in despair after his farm tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease. The farmer disputes the results, arguing that his animals show no symptoms and requests a re-examination. The farm houses approximately 2,000 goats and sheep, which are scheduled for culling. The Veterinary Services confirm that the farm is positive, regardless of the absence of symptoms in the animals. They explain that the manifestation of the disease can vary between animals and that culling is necessary due to the high contagiousness of the virus. The Veterinary Services reject the request for a second sampling, emphasizing that their laboratories are accredited and controlled by European bodies. They consider repeating the tests a waste of resources and time, as the virus has already been detected. Furthermore, an investigation is underway to determine how the virus reached the specific farm, which is not adjacent to other infected farms.