On the occasion of public placements by the Regional Governor of Thessaly and questions that are occasionally formulated, regarding the treatment of blessing, the compensation of the farmers and the staffing of the Veterinary Services of the Regions, to restore the truth, the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Rural Development:

Veterinary Services

The state of under -staffing is not a product of the negligence of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. On the contrary, constant efforts are being made to strengthen both the Central Service and the Regional Services.

In addition, the Regional Governor of Thessaly must know that the staffing of the regions is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior but of the Ministry of the Interior. Therefore, the public targeting of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning for responsibilities that do not belong to it, not only misleads, but weakens the seriousness of the institutional dialogue. However, it is worth noting that seven permanent veterinarians were hired in 2024 in 2024 while a lump sum of 2000 euros was granted to veterinarians who contributed to the treatment of zoonoses.

In any case, we would like to thank all the executive potential of the veterinary services, for their close cooperation and the struggle they pay for the eradication of smallpox.

Breeder

Compensation for animal feed during animal confinement is a process that takes time, as it concerns huge amounts and requires crossings, documentation and coordination with the Ministry of Finance. But this, however, is to adhere to the necessary bio -security measures for the treatment of zoonoses. By the way, the JMD, which is available up to EUR 63 million, was issued to boost breeders for feed, depending on the incarceration, in 3 categories (4, 6 and 14 euros per animal).

It should also be noted that so far, about € 30 million have been paid to farmers for the killed animals and operating costs of regions, while with the amendment of the JMD, the payment of an additional EUR 22 million has been ensured. Compensation is paid to 100% of the value of the killed animals.

Delay in operating expenses

The Region of Thessaly will receive the amount it has requested, with the first distribution and the completion of the new JMD. There is no omission or delay feasibility. Instead of creating artificial intensity, it is advisable to follow the procedure provided.

Laboratory Cooperation & Scientific Documentation

The diagnosis of smallpox is not the subject of a “local” interpretation, but an internationally proven scientific process. The only reliable way of diagnosis is via PCR in skin lesion. The diagnosis of saliva is precarious and does not substantiate any compensation or epidemiological measures. However, after the successful pilot effort we made in Florina, we discussed with the European Commission and requested approval for the possibility of implementing the surveillance via PCR by a saliva. YPATA has already arranged for the examination of positive saliva samples in the National Reference Laboratory, exclusively in the context of surveillance.

Function of National Report Laboratory

Greece – like any EU Member State – has a single National Reference Laboratory. Analyzes are made immediately and at speed, without delays.

*Finally, with the treatment of blessing, in general and in general, the bio -safety measures are observed, the truth is written in the relevant Government Gazette and leaves no room for misinterpretation:

‘The responsibilities of the Region to protect animal health include:

• Article 32: the research and study of any subject related to the hygiene of animal capital and the protection of animal health in general.

• Article 36: Coordination and supervision of the implementation of animal health programs.

• Article 37: Control of the legality in the circulation of veterinary medicinal products and the receipt of samples for analysis.

• Article 42: Coordination, program application, health measures, the slaughter of sheep and goats positive in zoonoses when it is foreseen. “

So, instead of the Regional Governor of Thessaly distributing responsibilities to ministries and services, he must, as he is not a spectator, but a competent body of action, to perceive his institutional role, joining the national effort to combat and eliminate blessing.

YPATA is in constant and direct contact, with our farmers across the country and responds to their needs, fully complying with the prime minister’s commitment, to support the primary sector and the people of everyday labor.