At noon, the five affected livestock farmers—whose farms tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease antibodies—arrived at the Ministry of Agriculture and will have to cull their animalsin accordance with European Commission guidelines.

During the meeting, it was decided to reevaluate two farms to reassess the possibility of culling them

ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ

12.10.2026 20:37

Foot-and-mouth disease: Approximately 2,000 animals will be culled; the four farmers who were not compensated are taking their case to the Legal Service

12.10.2026 17:22

Turkish farmer dumped a cow carcass in the Dead Zone of Avlona

These consist of one sheep and goat farm and one farm raising a rare breed of red cattle.

“The two cases will be reexamined to see if there is anything positive regarding the relocation of the red cows to a location where they will be allowed to remain alive, just as the fat-tailedfat sheep. And as for the facility in Aradippou, if there is any chance the animals can be spared.”
_{Neophytos Neophytou – President of the “Voice of Livestock Farmers” Organization}

“It has been agreed that prior to the culling process, the three-member technical committee, together with the owners, and the livestock farmers will record the animal population as well as their characteristics for compensation purposes.”
_{Andreas Gregoriou – Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture}

The Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture announced that affected livestock farmers will be compensated immediately for the destruction of milk, the loss of income, and the loss of livestock.

“We requested a review, and I think it was accepted; now we’re waiting to see what happens. We’re satisfied—we’re satisfied.”
_{Pavlos Lazarou – Livestock Farmer}

The Director of Veterinary Services did not rule out the possibility of similar cases occurring in the future, the Director of Veterinary Services, who emphasized that decisions are made based on recommendations from the European Commission.

“The protocol will be followed on a case-by-case basis, with the data evaluated separately for each situation.”
_{Christodoulos Pipis – Director of Veterinary Services}

Resumption of Operations

As for the resumption of operations by livestock farmers, the plan calls for its implementation by the end of the month or early November.

“It may happen even sooner than the minister said. So we can’t tell you for certain that they’ll start on November 15. Some livestock farmers may be ready to start as early as the end of October or even October 20.”
_{Christodoulos Pipis – Director of Veterinary Services}

Sampling at the farms will continue to ensure that a new wave of the virus does not break out.

Watch Eleni Michael’s report: