Livestock farmers in Lesvos are demanding that the slaughter of entire herds where cases of foot-and-mouth disease are detected be stopped, that a universal vaccination program be implemented, that protest blockades at the port of Mytilene be supported, and that the competent veterinary services conduct an epidemiological study on the disease on the island. These demands were decided yesterday by cooperatives and agricultural associations of Western Lesvos.

As agreed at their meeting held on the evening of Sunday, April 19, at the Community headquarters in Antissa, farmers will today, Monday, attempt to prevent the slaughter of an entire herd in the area of Filia, where a case of foot-and-mouth disease was detected.

During the meeting, the need to protect Lesvos’ livestock was emphasized, especially the local Lesvos sheep breed, which produces milk with unique characteristics. Veterinarian Giannis Tsakiris supported the demand for a 10-day suspension of herd culling, so that blood sampling can be carried out to enable an epidemiological study, paving the way for mass vaccinations.

A similar view was expressed by Manolis Konstantidellis, director and secretary of the Mesotopos Cooperative, who also supported mass vaccination of animals in Lesvos instead of mass culling.

It is noted that since yesterday, residents of one of the island’s most important livestock areas, Mesotopos, have blocked access to their area, preventing the implementation of herd culling programs and allowing only blood sampling to take place.