MP Zeybek's parliamentary question to be answered orally by Minister

Hüseyin Zeybek, Member of Parliament for Xanthi from the New Left Party, has submitted a parliamentary question to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food regarding the prevention of the spread of livestock diseases and support for affected animal breeders.

The question, submitted on January 27, 2025, highlights the critical situation caused by the outbreak of sheep and goat pox in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region (ΠΑΜΘ), which began in 2024 and has continued to escalate in 2025. The epidemic has significantly impacted local farmers, with 270 herds affected and approximately 70,000 animals culled.

Zeybek raised concerns over the economic and operational challenges faced by livestock breeders, emphasizing the urgent need for governmental intervention. He noted that breeders have lost their income, face financial obligations to banks and suppliers, and struggle to manage feed supplies in quarantined areas. Meanwhile, veterinary resources are insufficient to address the crisis effectively.

In his submission, Zeybek posed critical questions to the Minister:

What immediate measures will be implemented to support affected livestock breeders and prevent the further spread of the disease? Will these include compensation for income loss, coverage of feed costs, exemptions from insurance premiums and tax obligations, and strengthening the Exotic Disease Center in the Evros region?
What is the total amount of compensation paid so far? Are there pending payments for specific regional units, and what are the timeline and conditions for implementing a livestock rebuilding program?
The response to Zeybek’s question, which underscores the urgency of sustaining the livestock sector and ensuring economic relief for affected breeders, will be provided orally by the Minister in parliament in the coming days.