Containing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and ensuring swift compensation for livestock farmers were identified as the immediate priorities during a lengthy session of the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday.
The committee met to discuss the crisis facing Cypriot livestock farming following the detection of FMD cases in the free areas. Proceedings were marked by tense exchanges, with MPs voicing dissatisfaction over the absence of Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, who had returned to Cyprus from abroad before the session but opted to attend the Crisis Management Centre instead of appearing before the committee.
Lawmakers also noted that the Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, should have been present.
‘Biggest threat ever’ to livestock sector
Committee chairman Giannakis Gavriel described the outbreak as potentially the greatest threat ever faced by the island’s livestock sector.
“The overall extent of the damage remains unknown at this stage. The situation is dynamic and constantly evolving. The priority right now is to limit the spread of the disease and to compensate farmers as quickly as possible,” he said, adding that concerns had intensified rather than eased following the discussion.
Eleven units affected, 13,000 animals at risk
Agriculture Ministry Director General Andreas Gregoriou told the committee that authorities had outlined the actions taken to address the outbreak and contain its spread.
Based on the latest data and laboratory analyses, 11 units have been affected — one cattle farm and 10 sheep and goat units — involving an estimated 13,000 animals.
Mr Gregoriou said the state would stand by livestock farmers, offering financial support for the loss of animals and other income, as well as psychological assistance in coordination with the Health Ministry. He acknowledged the emotional toll on farmers, noting the close bond between people and their animals.
Vaccines have been ordered, he added, but experts arriving in Cyprus on Tuesday evening will determine whether they will be used.
Farmers voice anger and distress
Farmers expressed strong dissatisfaction during the session. One livestock farmer, Giorgos Demetriou, speaking in an emotionally charged intervention that drew applause from others present, said they had seen their livelihoods collapse.
“Our income has been wiped out. We have no milk to survive,” he said.
Some farmers complained that instead of receiving psychological support, police officers had been sent to take statements. Questions were also raised over how contaminated milk should be handled, with one farmer reportedly instructed to dispose of milk into the sewage system, leaving him without meaningful support.
Concerns were also voiced about alleged gaps along the Green Line and about shortages of basic equipment, with claims that veterinary staff had even requested protective suits from farmers in order to carry out their duties.
Calls for immediate relief measures
MPs called for the immediate compensation of affected farmers and a suspension of loan repayments. Representatives of agricultural organisations described the sector as being “at war” and demanded a clear roadmap for replenishing livestock numbers.
They also criticised what they described as a failure to take adequate measures at crossing points and urged authorities not to stigmatise specific areas as the crisis continues to unfold.