Greek Left Criticizes Government Over Foot-and-Mouth Disease Handling on Lesbos

The Agricultural Development Sector of the Greek Left Cooperation (EL.AS.) has issued a strong critique of the government's response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on the island of Lesbos. The group alleges "5.5 months of government inaction," demanding immediate interventions to support the island's struggling livestock farmers.

EL.AS. describes the island's livestock sector as being at a "critical point" five and a half months after the initial outbreak. The group highlighted a regional council meeting where farmers reportedly broke down in tears, describing their economic and psychological exhaustion. The criticism extends to the relevant deputy minister, who participated in the meeting via teleconference and allegedly avoided accountability by citing a "lack of signal."

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The tears of the farmers will not be treated as just another image that will be forgotten.

The party claims that inspections and culling of animals are "frozen" until the deputy minister's return on September 6, accusing the government of leaving the health crisis management unresolved. EL.AS. also disputes the ministry's claim of three open slaughterhouses on Lesbos, stating only one is operational. They highlight the urgent need to manage approximately 35,000 lambs and 25,000 non-productive sheep, which require slaughter.

EL.AS. asserts that the government is prohibiting the slaughter and sale of these animals within Greece and abroad. Furthermore, they claim that potential vaccination efforts could lead to a ban on exporting carcasses from the island. The group calls for the immediate operation of all Lesbos slaughterhouses with full veterinary control, a solution for the 60,000 sheep and goats, full compensation, emergency aid for animal feed and income loss, and a binding operational plan for managing the zoonotic disease.

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5.5 months of government abandonment.