GOVERNMENT TO PAY COMPENSATIONS FOR ASF-CAUSED DAMAGES

ARMENPRESS
Feb 28, 2008

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 28, ARMENPRESS: Agricultural minister David Lokian
said yesterday during a parliament questions and answers session
that the ministry will approve today the final list of farmers who
are eligible to financial compensations for damages caused by the
African Swine Fever (ASF) that destroyed thousands of pigs last year.

Many farmers had also to butcher their animals to stave off the spread
of the deadly disease.

The minister said the government has released 480 million Drams to
pay the compensations. Farmers will start receiving compensations
from March 3.

The deputy minister of agriculture, Samvel Avetisian, told earlier this
month that owners of pigs will receive 1005 drams (a little over $3)
per each kg of the destroyed meat.

Overall 18,800 pigs were registered to have died or destroyed because
of the disease.