Bluetongue vaccination for sheep

On 24 November 2014, I tabled a question regarding compensation for Greek farmers for losses caused by an outbreak of bluetongue in 2014.

Replying in behalf of the Commission, Mr Andriukaitis indicated that the EU bluetongue monitoring and eradication programme includes sheep vaccination, with the EU providing 50% of funding necessary for this and other eligible measures necessary for bluetongue eradication in Greece. An amount of around EUR 1m was provisionally made available to Greece for implementation of the programme in 2015.

Greek livestock farming federations now fear that a further outbreak of the disease is simply a matter of time and are calling for the immediate vaccination of flocks.

However it appears that, although the necessary funding has been made available to Greece, it is being withheld by the authorities.

In view of this:

Source: European Parliament

Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission

The total amount granted by the EU for the eradication and control programme for bluetongue in Greece for 2015 is EUR 1 160 000. As for all the Member States, this EU financial contribution will be paid in 2016 on the basis of the technical and financial assessment of the final report of the Greek competent authorities detailing the actual implementation of the programme in 2015. The vaccination strategy was decided by the Greek authorities following recommendations of the Commission experts. The implementation of the approved programme in Greece, including the vaccination of the ruminants, depends only on the Greek competent authorities.

Source: European Parliament