Disinfection points in livestock zones and strict traffic control to contain FMD
Disinfection points in livestock zones and strict traffic control to contain FMD
The Ministry of Agriculture has implemented strict measures to control and restrict movement in livestock areas in an effort to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious disease that seriously threatens the animal population and the agricultural economy.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment announced that in collaboration with local authorities, it has installed vehicle disinfection points in dozens of livestock areas. These points operate under constant surveillance by the Police and the National Guard, who control every crossing.
The Ministry says that entry and movement in these areas is prohibited without prior permission from the Veterinary Services. Movement is only permitted between 05:00 and 19:00 and only for specific reasons, such as the transport of animals for slaughter, the movement of piglets between units of the same owner, access of owners, the transport of milk and veterinary medicines, as well as agricultural work of limited duration.
As regards farmers, a special permit is needed by the Department of Agriculture.
The press release says that from 19:00 to 05:00 it is forbidden to enter into livestock zones, except in exceptional cases of emergency, such as animal births, and only after special permission.
The display of the permit at the checkpoints is mandatory, otherwise entry is not allowed.
The Ministry of Agriculture says that disinfection and surveillance points are in place in zones in Menikou, Orounda, Dali, Nisou, Potamia, Lympia, Geri, Arediou, Marki, Peristerona, Drousia, Avdimou, Pissouri, Monagrouli, Avgorou and Derhynia.