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Farmers' Crisis in Cyprus: Rancher Forced to Cull 2000 Animals

Published February 27, 2026, 20:23
Farmers' Crisis in Cyprus: Rancher Forced to Cull 2000 Animals

The agricultural sector in Cyprus is in turmoil, with ranchers facing severe financial difficulties. Specifically, a rancher, Dimitris Hadjiantoni, is being asked to cull 2,000 animals, despite them being asymptomatic, due to a positive result for foot-and-mouth disease. Ranchers are protesting the lack of clear protocols and inadequate information from the authorities. DISY accuses the government of a lack of planning and delays in inspections. Simultaneously, there are strong calls for the resignation of the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, from AKEL and the Ecologists due to the handling of the issue. DIKO is requesting a suspension of interest and charges for affected ranchers.