Livestock farmers on the Greek island of Lesbos are escalating their protest against the mass culling of animals linked to a suspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, taking coordinated action to block slaughter operations and demand alternative containment measures.

The agricultural community across western parts of the island remains in a state of heightened tension, with cooperatives and farming associations forming a unified front against the practice of destroying entire herds when infections are detected.

Following an emergency meeting held in a rural community in western Lesbos on Sunday evening, farmers agreed to actively intervene to prevent further culling. On Monday, they moved to stop the slaughter of a herd in a local village where a case had been identified. In another area, residents have blocked access routes, allowing veterinary staff only to conduct blood tests, while preventing any animal killings.

Concerns over local livestock survival

During the meeting, participants stressed that protecting livestock is essential for the island’s economic survival. Particular concern was raised over the local sheep breed, known for producing high-quality milk, which farmers say is at risk if mass culling continues.

A veterinarian involved in the discussions proposed suspending all culling operations for ten days to allow time for testing and scientific assessment. The aim, he said, would be to determine whether a large-scale vaccination program could be justified.

A local cooperative representative echoed this position, arguing that vaccination is the only viable long-term solution to prevent the destruction of livestock herds.

Calls for urgent policy change

Farmers and agricultural groups are now calling for an immediate revision of the disease management protocol. Their demands include:

• An end to the mass culling of healthy animals within infected herds
• A comprehensive vaccination program for livestock
• A scientific epidemiological study to map the spread of the disease on the island
• Support for ongoing protest actions at the island’s main port