WRITTEN QUESTION E-2563/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (11 October 1996)

Subject: Foot-and-mouth disease

As is widely known Greece has been hit by a third outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease affecting sensitive border areas such as Evros.

It has been ascertained by the relevant international organizations and by EU experts that the disease has spread from Turkey since it is the 'O1' strain which is affecting the entire country.

As soon as even the slightest signs of foot-and-mouth disease appear in Greece, the authorities take drastic measures (slaughtering animals which are even suspected of harbouring the disease) and spares no expense, whereas neighbouring countries remain totally indifferent to the spread of the disease.

Despite the enormous damage to Greece in economic and trading terms and to the nation as a whole, Turkey, which is responsible for the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, has shown not the slightest inclination to cooperate.

In view of this:

1. What action will the Commission take with regard to Turkey which while seeking membership of the EU is systematically ignoring its rules and mechanisms?

2. Is it considering the possibility of ordering that Turkey be placed in European quarantine so as to prevent the import of animal products from this country and the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease to other countries?

3. Will Greece receive compensation for the extensive damage it has already suffered, given that it is fully complying with EU rules and in doing all it can to contain the disease, while its neighbouring country is failing to take any action?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (20 November 1996)

The Commission is following the foot-and-mouth disease situation in Eastern Europe very closely and with great concern. Greece is to be congratulated for the way it has undertaken the control of the disease on its territory, limiting its spread to one single region. Regarding the situation in Turkey, certain measures have already been taken to prevent the introduction of the disease into the Community. Turkey does not figure on the list of third countries which can export animals and certain animal products to the Community. The Commission realises, however, that this is insufficient to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease to the areas directly neighbouring Turkish territory. In order to find solutions for that problem and to establish possible

Community actions, experts visited Turkey during September and October 1996. The findings of their mission are being examined and recommendations for action will be made. The Commission will not hesitate to make efforts to establish, in co-operation with the Greek and Turkish authorities, the measures necessary to ensure adequate protection of Community territory and, in particular, the parts of Greece that are under direct threat of infection. One of the options is the organisation of a vaccination campaign in Turkey.

With regard to possible compensation of Greece for the efforts undertaken to control the disease, the Greek authorities submitted on 30 September 1996 a request to the Commission, in accordance with Article 3 of Council Decision 90/424/EEC on expenditure in the veterinary field ((OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, last amended by Council Decision 94/370/EC - OJ L 168, 2.7.1994. )). This request covers expenditures for animals slaughtered and destroyed at infected farms and contact farms during the months of July to September 1996, and is being examined in accordance with the normal procedures.