The president of “The Voice of Livestock Farmers,” Neophytos Neophytou, referring to the failure to pay compensation to seven farms whose animals were culled as part of efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease.
Speaking Monday morning on the “Morning Schedule” program on state radio and strongly criticizing the Veterinary Services, Mr. Neophytou argued that these specific facilities had been operating for years, were subject to inspections, and had no legal issues. He further noted that their owners cooperated with the authorities and proceeded to euthanize their animals, contributing to the effort to eradicate the disease.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Mr. Neophytou also made serious allegations regarding the consequences of the restrictive measures, pointing out that animals are dying due to prolonged confinement.
How the Veterinary Services Respond
Referring to these specific facilities, the Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, said that they were examined individually, based on an opinion from the Legal Service.
Speaking also on state radio, he noted that payments were made to three of them, while compensation cannot be approved for the others, as, according to the Services’ data, the conditions stipulated by law have not been met.
Mr. Pipis also noted that livestock farmers are responsible for accurately reporting their livestock populations and the movements of their animals. Consequently, he added, the Veterinary Services cannot pay compensation to livestock farms for animals that are not registered in the database.
He emphasized, at the same time, that the goal is to lift the restrictive measures as soon as possible.
