The Veterinary Services issued a detailed statement following complaints raised by the Greens Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation regarding the burial of animals killed due to foot-and-mouth disease. The organisation published photographs accompanied by claims from livestock farmers that safety protocols are not being followed during the burial process. The authorities state that the liquid visible in the images is disinfectant used as part of biosecurity measures.
Complaints raised by the Greens
According to an announcement published today by the Greens Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation, livestock farmers have raised concerns about the way in which dead animals are being buried. The announcement was accompanied by photographic material.
The organisation stated that photographs from the burial trench show carcasses “floating” in water. It also raised questions regarding the sealing of the trench, asking whether sufficient measures are in place to prevent any impact on groundwater and soil.
The same announcement also claims that infected carcasses are transported to the burial trench in open trucks, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease. It further states that the burial site is neither covered nor enclosed and that strong odours are spreading across the surrounding area, reportedly reaching locations several kilometres away.
Veterinary Services response
Commenting on the circulation of the photographs, Veterinary Services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou said their publication was regrettable.
“These distressing images should not be in the public domain. We must respect the people who are losing their animals and their property and not publicise such material,” she said.
According to the Veterinary Services, the liquid observed in the burial trench is disinfectant used within the framework of biosecurity measures aimed at reducing the viral load.