Greece disburses €4.2 million in compensation to livestock farmers for disease-related losses

Greek livestock farmers are set to receive a significant financial boost as the Ministry of Rural Development and Food disburses €4.2 million in compensation. The funds are designated for 176 livestock operations that were forced to cull their animals to combat outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.

The compensation addresses losses incurred from sheep and goat pox, which affected farms in seven regions, and foot-and-mouth disease on the island of Lesbos. In total, 75,316 animals were culled as part of the containment measures. Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Athanasios Kavvadas, stated that the state is obligated to support producers facing severe animal disease challenges.

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The Greek livestock sector is being severely tested by epizootics, and the State has an obligation to be practically alongside the producers. With the 4th payment of compensation amounting to 4.2 million euros, we are supporting 176 livestock farms affected by sheep and goat pox and foot-and-mouth disease.

"The Greek livestock sector is being severely tested by epizootics, and the State has an obligation to be practically alongside the producers," Kavvadas said. "With the 4th payment of compensation amounting to 4.2 million euros, we are supporting 176 livestock farms affected by sheep and goat pox and foot-and-mouth disease."

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The support of the livestock sector and the immediate management of crises are a constant priority for the government. Our goal is to maintain productive activity, protect the livestock capital, support the income of livestock farmers, and ensure the viability of Greek livestock farming.

The largest portion of the compensation, €2.84 million, will go to 73 farms on Lesbos that lost 17,285 animals to foot-and-mouth disease. Another €1.38 million is allocated for losses from sheep and goat pox, covering 103 farms and 58,031 animals across various regions, including Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Attica, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, South Aegean, and the Peloponnese.

The ministry emphasized its commitment to supporting farmers affected by zoonotic diseases and is working closely with regional authorities to expedite the payment process. Funds are expected to be credited to recipients' accounts within one to two business days. This initiative aims to maintain productive activity, protect livestock, support farmer incomes, and ensure the sustainability of Greek agriculture, while also reinforcing biosecurity measures.

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The ministry continues to practically support livestock farmers affected by zoonotic diseases and cooperates closely with the Regions, so that compensation is paid as quickly as possible.