The livestock farmers’ protest in front of the government took place at a time when the spread of sheep pox is causing great concern. According to their data, between 7,000 and 10,000 sheep have died so far, while 40 to 50 flocks have been eliminated.
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Sheep breeders are demanding that vaccines be provided in time and that owners affected by the disease be compensated for their losses. They express alarm over the continuous emergence of new outbreaks, which increase the risk of the infection spreading to other flocks.
“So far, we have over 50 outbreaks, around 40 to 50 destroyed flocks, and about 40 families have been left without a livelihood, left on the street with nothing to do. Behind me are some of those whose flocks have been destroyed, and we demand that these people be paid, or rather compensated, as soon as possible,” said Naser Xhemaili, chairman of the Sheep Breeders’ League.
The livestock farmers also oppose the current compensation scheme. According to them, the payment of 100 denars per kilogram does not come close to the true value of the sheep.
Milena Veličkoviq from the Sheep Breeders’ League from Kumanova stated that so far, protecting the flocks remains largely the responsibility of the farmers themselves. She demanded that the state intervene to protect domestic livestock farming.
Furthermore, the farmers called on the government to take stronger measures to preserve the country’s livestock fund, as this would also create opportunities for increased lamb meat exports.
“I believe negotiations regarding vaccination have been ongoing for more than a month. Honestly, we have not heard any argument against vaccination, any reason not to vaccinate. The only argument for not implementing vaccination is that they are trying to cope with the disease and because perhaps the European Union might impose an export ban on us,” declared Milena Veličkoviq of the “Modern Ovcar” sheep breeders’ league.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy announced that, together with the Food and Veterinary Agency, it is continuously monitoring the epidemiological situation. Authorities have urged farmers not to carry out vaccinations themselves, as such an action could hinder epidemiological monitoring and increase the risk to flocks.
“The Ministry and the FVA warn livestock farmers that the independent procurement and use of the vaccine, at their own expense and without prior approval from the Agency, will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions in force. In such a case, the owner will not have the right to compensation for sick animals, nor to indemnity for animals destroyed due to the fight against and eradication of the disease. Vaccination can only be carried out by authorized veterinary services, under the direct supervision of the FVA,” the Ministry of Agriculture stated.
According to the Ministry, the Republic of Turkey has provided 500,000 doses of vaccines in the form of a donation, and they are expected to arrive in the coming days. Meanwhile, a request for additional vaccines has been sent to the European Commission. Before being used, the doses will undergo mandatory laboratory analysis to verify their safety and purity. The vaccination campaign will commence after the results are confirmed and will be implemented according to an official plan, under the supervision of the FVA. /tv21
