Lesbos livestock farmers protest

On 27 July 2026 livestock farmers on the Greek island of Lesbos gathered at the Central Port Authority in Mytilene to demand state action after a non‑contagious fever devastated herds and shut down slaughterhouses. The first demonstration, organized by the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Lesbos, presented a wide list of demands: full compensation for dead animals and unsold carcasses, subsidies for feed, a freeze on debts, permanent veterinary staffing, 24‑hour disinfection of ports and key roads financed by the state, and a state‑run vaccination programme.

A few hours later the protest continued, with participants focusing on the slow payment of compensation claims and the ongoing spread of the “afthodous fever.” Farmers highlighted nine new cases in the past two weeks despite earlier control measures, noted that half of the disinfection centres were non‑operational, and called for mandatory disinfection at ports and checkpoints. They also sought a meeting with the head of the Veterinary Service to discuss delays and the prosecution of protestors. The evolving demonstrations underscored persistent grievances over disease management, compensation delays, and inadequate veterinary resources.

Both protests reflect mounting pressure on Greek authorities to address the agricultural crisis on Lesbos and to implement the comprehensive response demanded by the farming community.