In the assessment that, by the end of September, the cycle of the plague of small ruminants will be closed, as long as there is no new case, the Minister of Rural Development and Food proceeded, Kostas Tsiarasduring an interview on a show on Action 24.

At the same time, he emphasized that, at the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, on September 23, 2024, he will raise the issue of taking additional support measures for livestock farmers, whose herds were affected by the sheep and goat plague.

The minister underlined that, thanks to the systematic work done by the services and veterinarians, it became possible, through tracking, to identify the animals that were sick and, in combination with the strict application of the European directive, to limit the disease.

“Today, as we speak, the forecast of deaths is for 25,000 sheep and goats, while in Romania it is ten times more. If we see it in a display of manipulations and effort we made, we understand that it was an effort that succeeded”, underlined Mr. Tsiaras and thanked everyone who took part in the largest veterinary operation that has ever been done in the country. “The effort of all the veterinarians, especially in dealing with the plague, was touching. If all goes well, it will be a huge success for the management team and I want to thank them again,” he said.

As far as compensation is concerned, the Minister of Rural Development noted that he already has in his hands letters of reply from his EU counterparts, following a letter he had sent to them asking for additional measures to be taken to compensate livestock farmers, in which they are in solidarity.

In fact, he said that at the next Council of Ministers he will raise the issue again:

“On September 23, at the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the EU I will support the content of the letter and my goal is to form a front against the plague,” said Mr. Tsiaras and reiterated that the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis will stand by the breeders, as it has done in the past.

“We announced from the first moment that we will help the farmers and do everything possible to support them. In the recent past we faced dozens of crises, but we were always present, supporting those who were affected. Our main goal was and remains to save the country’s livestock and dairy production,” he explained.

In this context, Mr. Tsiaras clarified that there are no shortages in the market, pointing out that he is in constant communication with the Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos. “The sooner we get rid of the plague of small ruminants, the sooner there will be no shortages,” he explained.

Finally, with regard to sheep pox, the Minister of Rural Development and Food said that although it is more resistant than the plague, this virus is also not transmitted to humans. “The difference between it and the plague virus is that the smallpox virus is a DNA virus and, therefore, it is more resistant, while the plague is an RNA virus. He expressed, however, optimism that it will be dealt with effectively, as was done six months ago in Fthiotida. Evros has experience in dealing with such diseases and in this particular case the protocol is the same as the plague,” added Mr. Tsiaras, noting that corresponding measures will be applied.