The Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation has alleged criminal negligence in the handling of foot-and-mouth diseased carcasses, as the virus spreads to Dromolaxia — outside the established exclusion zone.
In an announcement accompanied by photographs, the party said the appearance of a new case beyond the exclusion zone was evidence that Veterinary Services measures were failing.
Farmers, it said, were reporting that safety protocols were not being followed during the burial of dead animals.
Photographs released by the party show carcasses lying in water inside the burial trench, raising questions about whether the site is properly waterproofed to prevent contamination of groundwater and soil.
Further images purportedly show infected carcasses being transported to the trench in open trucks, which the party said posed a risk of spreading the disease in transit.
The Ecologists said the burial site was neither covered nor enclosed, with the stench spreading across the area for several kilometres. The party questioned whether the disease could be travelling through the air in the same way as the smell.
Farmers are also alleging that compensation levels do not reflect the actual losses they have suffered, according to the announcement.
The party called for political responsibility to be assumed at the highest level of the Ministry, and questioned the competence of the minister responsible.
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