The Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Christos Kellas, headed a team from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to Lesvos to coordinate the immediate implementation of the measures decided upon following the confirmation of a case of foot-and-mouth disease in a cattle farm on the island.
The presence of the Deputy Minister follows an emergency meeting held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, where it was decided to activate the emergency plan, in accordance with European and national legislation.
Already, in the whole of Lesvos, the measures provided for by European Regulation 2020/687 have been activated.
As stated in a relevant statement, during the meeting in the North Aegean Region, emphasis was placed on the immediate operational implementation of the measures, aiming at the containment of the disease within the island and, subsequently, its eradication.
In addition, strict adherence to biosecurity measures and the establishment of disinfection stations were ordered.
As part of the measures, intensive clinical surveillance and sampling is underway in the 3km protection zone from the outbreak, while controls are being stepped up to prevent further spread.
Cellas: Immediate surveillance and support for livestock farmers
Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Christos Kellas, said: “From the very first moment we activated all available mechanisms. We have used all the instruments at our disposal to mobilise all the necessary instruments. This is a highly contagious epizootic disease, but it does not pose a risk to public health. What is needed is speed, strict surveillance and absolute respect for the rules. Our aim is to eradicate the disease before it spreads beyond Lesvos. For this reason, we are immediately proceeding with intensive clinical surveillance and sampling in the 3 km protection zone. I want to assure farmers that the Ministry will stand by them as long as necessary. We are actively supporting the Greek livestock industry and will continue to do so by every available means.”
The meeting was attended by New Democracy MP in the prefecture Mr. Mr. Evstratios Kyratzis-Chrysostomou, the Mayor of Mytilene Mr. Panagiotis Christofas, the Mayor of the Municipality of West Lesvos Mr. Taxiarchis Verros, the Commander of the 9th Regional Command of the Coast Guard Mr. Evstratios Psyrras, the port director Mr. Georgios Koulikas, the commander of the 98th National Guard Battalion Higher Command, Major General Mr. Koulikas, the commander of the 98th National Guard Battalion Higher Command. Stavros Michalis, the General Police Director of the North Aegean, Major General Michalis Sevδυνidis, the Police Director of Lesvos, Kostas Papazoglou, the Head of the Directorate of the Mytilene Customs, Ekaterini Apostolidou, the Director of the Veterinary Public Health, Mr. Mr. Efstratios Tsobanellis, the Director General of the Veterinary Public Health Service, Mr. Efstratios Psarianos, Mrs. Panagiota Sahana veterinarian and Mr. Panagiotis Katsavellis from the Agricultural Chamber of Greece, as well as representatives of the island’s breeders and cheese makers.
