Larnaca farmers are grappling with the devastating impacts of foot-and-mouth disease, as many watch helplessly while their livestock are culled. Anastasis Zannettos, a farmer from Aradippou, expressed the collective grief felt by the community during a phone conversation with Phileleftheros on Thursday. “We are in mourning, we are grieving,” he stated, reflecting the anguish of those affected.
Foot-and-mouth disease: A Community in Distress
The Larnaca district is currently facing a crisis, with outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease prompting the culling of animals. Some farmers are living in constant fear that their livestock may also test positive for the disease. Zannettos, who has dedicated his life to the family livestock unit, emphasised the emotional toll this situation has taken on farmers across the island.
Voices of the Farmers
In an effort to organise and support one another, Zannettos and a group of fellow farmers have begun using media and social media to share information regarding meetings and briefings aimed at addressing the situation. Despite their efforts to maintain a sense of community, the emotional burden of watching their animals suffer is overwhelming.
The Heartfelt Letter
Following their conversation, Zannettos sent a heartfelt letter to the people of Cyprus, laying bare the pain and anger felt by farmers. His words paint a vivid picture of their daily lives and the harsh realities they now face as foot-and-mouth disease wreaks havoc.
In his letter, Zannettos wrote, “These are not livestock units, they are not pens — they are our lives. Larnaca no longer smells of spring. It smells of death and injustice.” He called upon the citizens to understand the sacrifices farmers make daily to provide for their community, reminding them of the dedication and hard work involved in their profession.
The Pain of Livestock Culling
As the Veterinary Services enforce the culling of animals, Zannettos described the emotional torment of farmers forced to watch their healthy livestock being slaughtered. He lamented, “They tell us we must slaughter thousands of animals. Not because they are dying, but for ‘the numbers’, for ‘the export paperwork’, for money.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the farming community, where animals are viewed not merely as livestock but as part of their family.
Emotional Turmoil
The sight of animals running in fear from the impending slaughter is a haunting image for those who have raised them from birth. Zannettos conveyed the heart-wrenching experience of mothers searching for their young amid a pen filled with carcasses, highlighting the tragic consequences of the disease and the measures taken to control it.
A Call for Humanity
In his poignant appeal, Zannettos urged the public to empathise with farmers and their plight. “We are not asking for charity. We are asking for HUMANITY. Stop the slaughter of the innocent. Stop the torment of the animals that have fed us for generations,” he implored.
He warned that allowing such actions to continue may lead to further injustices in the future, stating, “If today we allow this crime in our pen, tomorrow another crime, in another form, will knock on your door. Stand with what is right, with what is moral. Not with the agenda of killings.” This powerful message serves as a rallying cry for a community facing unprecedented challenges.
Looking Ahead
The situation in Larnaca remains critical, with farmers united in their grief and determination to protect their livelihoods. As they navigate this crisis, the solidarity within the farming community is becoming increasingly vital. They are calling for understanding and support from the wider public, hoping that their voices will be heard.
The foot-and-mouth disease crisis in Larnaca highlights the delicate balance between public health and the emotional wellbeing of those who work tirelessly to provide for their communities. As the situation evolves, the resilience of farmers like Zannettos will be put to the test, but their dedication to their animals remains unwavering.
