**Livestock Breeders Block Veterinary Services Over Compensation Delays**
A group of livestock breeders staged a protest on Wednesday by blocking the entrance to the veterinary services headquarters in Nicosia. The demonstrators are demanding immediate payment of compensation they claim is overdue following the recent foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, which necessitated the culling of affected livestock.
The protest involved the parking of trucks outside the veterinary services office, effectively restricting access to the building. The breeders expressed their frustration over the lack of communication from authorities regarding a timeline for settling their unpaid claims. Many of the protesters reported significant financial losses due to the culling of their animals during the outbreak.
Despite the demonstration, government officials have asserted that the majority of compensation payments have already been processed. Last month, the cabinet approved a support package of €6.35 million aimed at assisting affected livestock farmers. This package included €4.85 million designated for compensation related to livestock losses, milk, feed, and other associated damages, as well as an additional €1.5 million specifically for sheep and goat farmers.
Former Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou stated that the total government support for the sector has now reached €39 million, with approximately €16 million already disbursed to farmers impacted by the disease. She emphasized that only 15 compensation claims remain unresolved, attributing the delays to discrepancies in livestock records and other legal issues that require further examination.
Panayiotou highlighted that these outstanding cases involve differences in reported livestock numbers or other matters necessitating legal guidance. She reiterated that claims suggesting the government has not fulfilled its compensation obligations are unfounded.
The protest reflects ongoing tensions between livestock farmers and the veterinary services concerning the management of compensation claims. In June, Neophytos Neophytou, president of the Voice of the Livestock Breeders, accused the veterinary services of exploiting "legal loopholes" to avoid making payments, despite assurances from President Nikos Christodoulides that affected farmers would receive compensation.
In response to these allegations, Christodoulos Pipis, director of the veterinary services, defended the department's actions. He stated that compensation can only be granted when livestock owners adhere to legal requirements and maintain accurate records of their animals. Pipis underscored that the responsibility for declaring livestock numbers lies with the farmers and assured that each disputed case would be evaluated individually.
As the situation unfolds, the livestock breeders continue to seek clarity and prompt resolution of their claims, while government officials maintain that they are working to address the remaining issues. The ongoing dialogue between the two parties is crucial in ensuring that farmers receive the support they need to recover from the economic impact of the FMD outbreak.