Reactions to Foot-and-Mouth Disease: "The Primary Sector is Collapsing"

Strong reactions were expressed by agricultural organizations regarding vaccinations and the culling of animals due to foot-and-mouth disease, during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture. Representatives criticized the handling of the situation, arguing that the decisions have serious implications for livestock farming and the economy.

The General Secretary of EKA, Panikos Hampas, emphasized the seriousness of the issue and the need to suspend culling and start vaccinations. He expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the Veterinary Services' method, citing the example of Turkey with continuous vaccinations.

The General Secretary of the Panagrotikos Association, Tasos Giapanis, expressed hope for positive results after a meeting with the President of the European Commission. He referred to omissions in inspections and the need for composure.

The Honorary President of PEK, Michalis Lytras, stressed the need for immediate import of animals from uninfected countries and fair compensation for farmers. He also raised the issue of the origin of the virus from the occupied territories.

Agricultural organizations are demanding that the culling of animals be stopped and only carried out in cases of clinical symptoms, along with universal vaccination.