The European Commission yesterday agreed to give Spain 166.000 euros to help compensate sheep farmers whose herds were hit by the Blue Tongue virus outbreak in Majorca and Minorca two years ago. The money is to compensate farmers and also help cover the costs of slaughtering infected livestock, disinfecting sheep herds and clearing up after the outbreak was controlled. However, before Balearic farmers get their hands on the cash, the Spanish government has to provide the Commission with all the correct documentation explaining what disinfection and clean up operations were carried out. If the Blue Tongue outbreak was dealt with as expected by the Commission and required by EU agricultural law, then Spain will be given the money.
Balearic sheep farmers closer to EU compensation