SYRIZA: Livestock production in İskeçe and across Greece faces unprecedented threat
The spread of sheep and goat pox in Greece has reached pandemic levels, with devastating consequences for livestock farmers, according to the opposition party SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance.
In the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT), more than 100,000 animals have been lost, including over 45,000 in İskeçe prefecture alone, one of the hardest-hit areas. The economic damage is described as “incalculable,” with dozens of farmers left without livestock, jobs, or income.
SYRIZA accused the government of gross negligence, citing failures in disease prevention, ignoring scientific and EU warnings, weakening veterinary services, and delaying compensation payments by more than six months, with amounts far below real costs. The party criticized the government’s response as “improvised and anti-scientific,” pointing to a “ten-day plan” and a non-functional committee that prioritized communication over effective policy.
To address the crisis, SYRIZA unveiled a scientifically based and implementable plan, structured around three pillars:
Pillar 1: Support for Farmers
Immediate, full compensation for lost animals, with 50% advance payments.
Maintenance of subsidy rights, loan guarantees, feed cost coverage, and income compensation (de minimis).
Suspension of foreclosures, tax, and insurance obligations for two years.
Pillar 2: Crisis Management and Biosecurity
Establishment of a permanent National Crisis Management Center for Sheep and Goat Pox.
Nationwide biosecurity measures, genetic testing, rapid diagnostics, and bans on livestock movement within 50 km of outbreak zones.
Full state coverage of biosecurity, animal culling, and disposal costs.
Use of EU support mechanisms, including the EUVET Team and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Pillar 3: Strengthening Veterinary Services
Doubling staff with 1,500 permanent veterinarian hires.
Ensuring transparency, stability, and adequate working conditions to safeguard public health and livestock.
SYRIZA emphasized that the measures are part of a National Plan for the Recovery of Greek Livestock Farming, aiming at sustainability, development, and the production of safe, high-quality products. The party has requested an urgent meeting of the Parliament’s Production and Trade Committee, with participation from the agriculture minister, the dairy industry, and farmer representatives.
The opposition urged the government to abandon “communication fireworks” and adopt its proposed plan immediately, warning that Greek livestock farming “cannot withstand further delays.”
