Seven cases involving compensation for livestock farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease remain pending, while delays and problems are also being reported regarding the reactivation of the farms, Neophytos Neophytou, President of “The Voice of Livestock Farmers,” told CNA on Friday.
As he noted, four livestock farmers have not received any compensation, and three others have received only 10%–15%, while three facilities are expected to receive test animals (or control/reference group animals) starting September 1. He expressed concern, however, about the delay in the process and the Veterinary Services’ requirement that these animals be unvaccinated.
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Mr. Neophytou said that the organization had sent a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, requesting a meeting to discuss the issue of compensation and the next steps.
He also noted that communication with the Veterinary Services is difficult and that no clear answers have been provided regarding the full payment of compensation and the plan to restart operations at the facilities.
Referring to cases where the number of animals is disputed, he said that the Veterinary Services invoked legislation, according to which a compensation issue may arise when the data from the farms at the time of culling do not match what had been previously declared.
The President of “The Voice of Livestock Farmers” argued, however, that the relevant authorities were aware of the discrepancies prior to the culls, while the livestock farmers were informed afterward that their cases were under investigation and that they might not receive compensation.
“In some cases, the data may have been incorrect, but the animals were not stolen. They were purchased, were in the farmers’ possession, and constituted their property,” he said.
He added that “The Voice of Livestock Farmers,” following discussions with the Veterinary Services, the Ministry, and the Office of the President, had convinced those affected to proceed with the culling of their animals to combat the virus. What is now being requested, he continued, is that they be fairly compensated for the property they lost.
Concerns for the “victim” animals
Regarding the reopening of the facilities, Mr. Neophytou said that, following recent inspections, three facilities were informed that, starting September 1, they will be able to accept control animals.
As he explained, about ten animals per facility, which will be placed on a trial basis for approximately 15–20 days and will undergo testing to determine whether they have been infected with the virus.
He noted that the Veterinary Services require the control animals to be unvaccinated, which, according to him, creates a practical problem, as most livestock farmers have vaccinated the animals they kept as part of the response to foot-and-mouth disease.
Mr. Neophytou mentioned that he is aware of a specific case of a farmer who cannot find unvaccinated animals, adding that no explanation has been provided for this requirement.
He also questioned why the process involving sentinel animals begins four to five months after the culls. As he noted, the protocol called for their placement after 42 days had elapsed, the removal of manure, and the completion of cleaning and disinfection work.
“In our view, at this stage, the full animal population should already be moving in, rather than starting the process now with a test group,” he said, arguing that the planned schedule had not been followed.
He also noted that, at a meeting held at the Ministry about three weeks ago, a senior official from the Veterinary Services had said that farmers whose operations met the requirements for resuming operations would be notified.
The process, he added, was expected to begin about 15 days ago, but has not yet moved forward. Mr. Neophytou demanded clear answers from the relevant authorities and an end to the delays.
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Source: KYPE
