Thousands of animals slaughtered to contain a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on the island of Lesvos are being buried without environmental safeguards, raising fears of lasting groundwater contamination, experts warn.
More than 32,000 sheep and goats have been culled since the disease erupted roughly nine weeks ago. A cremation facility on the island can process only 300 animals daily, leaving authorities to rely on unregulated mass burials.
A regional official resigned May 18, accusing veterinary services of “working destructively for citizens and the environment.” An environmental management committee was only established this week.
FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE ANIMAL PROTECTION HEALTH
