Baran voices concerns of Xanthi Farmers amid epidemic outbreak

In a formal parliamentary question directed to the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Kostas Chiara, Baran emphasized the growing anxiety among livestock farmers due to the significant impact of the disease.

In his statement, Baran highlighted the gravity of the situation:

"Farmers in the Xanthi region are increasingly concerned about the serious consequences of the recent outbreaks of bluetongue disease, especially in sheep farms, which have already suffered significant losses."

Bluetongue is a viral infection transmitted by biting midges of the Culicoides genus, affecting domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, as well as certain wild ruminants. It causes severe health issues, including congestion, edema, and hemorrhage. Symptoms include fever, ulcers, and lameness. In some cases, there is a significant drop in milk and meat production, and the mortality rate of livestock can reach 5-10%, imposing a heavy financial burden on farmers.

Given that livestock farming is the primary source of income for these farmers, the economic repercussions are severe. In addition to the losses from livestock, there are additional costs for treatments and the implementation of biosecurity measures to prevent further spread. The direct consequences of the disease not only impact the production capacity of farms but also negatively affect the local economy. Therefore, immediate action is necessary to compensate affected farmers.

In light of these challenges, Baran called on the Minister to respond to the following questions:

What immediate measures will be taken to combat the disease, control its spread, and support the farmers of Xanthi?

What compensation procedures will be put in place, and what steps will be taken to support livestock farming in the region?

Baran's intervention aims to ensure that the government takes swift action to mitigate the economic and health impacts of the outbreak on the farming community in Xanthi.