Spread of African Swine Fever in Chalkidiki
5.4.2021
Question for written answer E-001823/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Maria Spyraki (PPE)
The rapid growth of the wild boar population is causing serious problems throughout the Chalkidiki area, damaging crops creating traffic hazards and being chiefly responsible for the spread of African swine fever. Although this virus is not transmissible to humans, it risks spreading to pig farms, causing incalculable losses to local stockbreeders. To keep their numbers down, boar hunting is being organised by the local forestry authorities, mainly in the Cassandra area.
The most effective and cost-effective solution for combating zoonoses is to nip them in the bud, calling for a concerted strategy by the Member States in the form of public and private investment and the allocation thereof.
In view of this:
- 1.Can the Commission say whether EU funding is being channelled in this direction, indicating how much and the level of take-up by Greece?
- 2.What view does it take of a concerted strategy by the Member States for the prevention and control of animal pathogens and cross-infection of humans, animals and the environment?