MP Özgür Ferhat: “Livestock farming in Thrace Is collapsing — The Government has failed”
Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat strongly criticized the New Democracy government during a speech in Parliament, accusing it of failing to manage the sheep–goat pox outbreak and deepening a predictable crisis through ineffective policies.
Ferhat said that despite warnings from experts and breeders months ago, the government did not strengthen veterinary services, failed to conduct timely biosecurity inspections, and neglected to inform producers.
“Livestock Farming in Thrace Is on the Brink of Collapse”
The MP stressed that the situation is particularly alarming in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
He noted that 40,000 animals have been culled in Rodopi, and over 150,000 small ruminants across the wider region.
Ferhat added that public veterinary services have effectively collapsed due to severe staff shortages, lack of vehicles, and inadequate equipment. The involvement of military veterinarians, he argued, is proof of this collapse.
“The EU Recommends Vaccination — The New Democracy Government Refuses to Listen”
Ferhat criticized the government for relying solely on mass culling, recalling that the European Union and the scientific community support vaccination strategies, with available vaccines offering 75–100% immunity.
“Producers Face a Harsh Winter — Income Support Is Essential”
Ferhat emphasized the need to provide a minimum income guarantee for breeders who have lost their animals and have no other source of revenue.
He noted that the compensation framework lacks clear criteria and does not provide fast payment mechanisms.
He also reminded that extending compensation to animals without pedigree records was only achieved due to pressure from the opposition.
According to Ferhat, the collapse of livestock farming threatens food security, rural social stability, and the demographic balance of the region.
He added that local authorities were sidelined, placing the entire burden on the ministry’s central bureaucracy. As a result, inspections were delayed, illegal animal movements could not be prevented, and the outbreak spread rapidly.
Ferhat’s Calls to the New Democracy Government
The MP urged the government to immediately implement the following measures:
- Permanent hiring of veterinarians
- Strengthening of regional laboratories
- Restructuring of affected livestock farms
- Transparent and rapid compensation payments
- Adoption of scientific strategies, including vaccination when necessary
- Genuine cooperation with local institutions
“Rhodope and the Country Need Action, Not Words”
Ferhat concluded his speech by stating:
“The New Democracy government’s agricultural policy has failed. Rhodope and the country do not need new promises — they need respect, planning, and concrete solutions.”
