Ministry of Agriculture responds to MP Baran’s inquiry
In response to a parliamentary question submitted by Independent MP Burhan Baran of Xanthi on September 23, 2024, regarding recent outbreaks of Bluetongue disease (KF) in livestock, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Christos Kellas provided detailed information on the measures taken.
The response highlighted a surveillance program for the Bluetongue virus and outlined the steps to control the disease, including:
Informing farmers about the disease, identifying animals, increasing clinical surveillance, and conducting epidemiological investigations.
Establishing a 20 km control zone and a 100 km protection and surveillance zone around infected farms.
Regular insect control measures for vectors of the virus and provisions for compensating affected farmers.
The Deputy Minister also emphasized that compensation for livestock losses and feed costs is outlined in a joint ministerial decision, which ensures full financial support for farmers forced to cull their animals. This decision, signed by the Minister of Rural Development and the Deputy Minister of Finance, was recently published in the Official Gazette.
