Anxious livestock farmers block the loading and unloading of freight trucks at the port of Mytilene in protest over measures linked to efforts to contain foot-and-mouth disease, on Wednesday. [InTime News]
Critical decisions are expected soon as authorities move to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos, with a joint ministerial decree set to unlock emergency aid for farmers and dairy producers.
Officials say the measure could be issued as early as Thursday, outlining compensation of up to €8 million for milk that could not reach the market between March 15 and April 5.
The crisis was discussed in Brussels between Greece’s agriculture minister and European Commissioner counterpart Oliver Varhelyi, who stressed strict enforcement of existing controls and reaffirmed European Union support at both technical and financial levels.
Greek officials signaled there would be no relaxation of measures that could endanger public health or the agricultural economy.
The government is pursuing an eradication strategy, though a clearer epidemiological picture is expected in the coming days. European experts have already assessed conditions, with recommendations pending.
The highly contagious disease, first detected on March 15, prompted a lockdown on the island.
Its insular geography may aid containment under rigorous surveillance for now.