Sheep and goat pox threatens Greek livestock farming – SYRIZA-PS presents rescue plan
SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance accuses the Mitsotakis government of mismanaging the outbreak of sheep and goat pox, which has led to the death of over 300,000 animals and financial losses exceeding €350 million.
The party criticizes the government for failing to implement disease prevention, weakening veterinary services, and delaying compensations. In response, SYRIZA presents a comprehensive, scientifically grounded plan including:
- Full and immediate compensation to affected farmers.
- Establishment of a Crisis Management Center and strict biosecurity measures.
- Strengthening veterinary services with the hiring of 1,500 veterinarians.
SYRIZA is calling for an urgent meeting of the Parliament’s Production and Trade Committee and urges the government to adopt the plan without delay, warning that Greek livestock farming cannot withstand further setbacks.
Pillar 1
✅ Zero Deficit Clause – Support for Livestock Farmers
- Immediate and full compensation for lost animals, with a 50% advance based on O.S.D.E. and total amounts that reflect the actual cost of replacement.
- Preservation of subsidy rights (basic and coupled), interest subsidies, loan guarantee fund, and feed cost coverage.
- Income compensation through de minimis for decent living conditions, support for related sectors, and price protection clauses for milk and meat.
- Suspension of foreclosures, as well as tax and insurance obligations for two years.
Pillar 2
✅ Crisis Management Plan, Crisis Coordination Center, and Public Tools
- Activation of a National Center for Sheep and Goat Pox Response, with permanent operation, participation of experts, full farmer awareness, and 24/7 coordination with veterinary services.
- Strict implementation of biosecurity measures, genetic control and rapid testing nationwide, ban on animal movement within a 50 km radius of outbreak zones.
- State coverage of all biosecurity costs, animal culling and incineration, and financing of the Regions.
- Reactivation of the Special Compensation Fund at the Ministry of Rural Development, operation of Genetic Improvement Centers, and a 24/7 SOS Hotline for immediate farmer support.
- Utilization of European mechanisms (EUVET Team, EU Civil Protection Mechanism) for technical and logistical support.
Pillar 3
✅ Strengthening of Veterinary Services
- Doubling of staff, with the hiring of 1,500 veterinarians on a permanent and dignified basis.
- Measures to ensure transparency, decent working conditions, and stability — enabling the services to perform their critical role effectively.
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