Deputy Minister Kellas visits Evros region amid animal disease outbreak

The visit began at the Evros Unit of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Presidency, where the officials were greeted by Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis. The visit aimed to address the recent outbreak and included meetings with local agricultural cooperatives, inspections of the disease hotspots, and discussions with local stakeholders at municipal slaughterhouses.

The delegation also held a similar meeting in the town of Didymoteicho, involving livestock breeders and representatives of local organizations. These meetings culminated in a joint press conference where the outcomes of the discussions were shared with the public.

Governor Topsidis thanked Deputy Minister Kellas, General Secretary Stratakos, and other ministry officials for their prompt response, visiting Evros just one day after the outbreak was confirmed. He emphasized that the regional government's goal is to contain and eliminate the disease before it spreads to other areas. Topsidis expressed confidence in the continued cooperation between regional authorities, relevant departments, and veterinarians, and he urged livestock breeders to comply with all regulations to manage the disease effectively.

Deputy Minister Kellas reassured the public that the ministry is fully committed to managing the "zoonotic" disease in accordance with European regulations. He highlighted that while sheep pox is highly contagious among affected animals, it does not pose a risk to humans, pigs, or cattle. Kellas also praised the cooperation between the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional administration and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, committing to enhance efforts to manage the situation with all available resources.