The counselor of Rural Environment and Agricultural Policy of the Principality of Asturias, Marcelino Marcos Líndez, has explained that, in relation to the prevention measures against contagious nodular dermatosis, sometimes it is necessary to make decisions "that I believe are not desired, but are necessary," as he has defended.
The regional official made these statements to the media in the pavilion of the Principality during the 69th International Fair of Samples of Asturias, in the Gijón fairgrounds 'Luis Adaro', in light of the criticisms from the regional deputy of the PP, Luis Venta, regarding the processing of aid aimed at the agri-food industry in the community.
When asked about the evolution of nodular dermatosis, he pointed out that the restrictions have been extended until October 31 as a precautionary measure, given that there are still autonomous communities that have not completed vaccination and active outbreaks persist in Italy.
"It is something we take into account considering the existing reality in Spain and as a precautionary measure," he emphasized, insisting on the preventive nature of the actions promoted by the Asturian Administration.
He stressed that, both for the Government of Asturias and for the entire livestock sector, the priority is to minimize risks, and that, in his opinion, this requires making such decisions to try to limit possible infections "to the minimum expression" during a time of year when the mosquito continues to be a vector for these diseases.
Marcos Líndez has acknowledged that these restrictions cause harm, including the inability to hold certain livestock fairs and bovine contests.
However, he recalled that, just as during the COVID-19 pandemic there was a long time when such events could not be organized, he believes that for those who defend the sector, the priority must continue to be the reduction of health risks.
Lack of veterinarians and improvements in resources
In relation to the warning from the Asturian Rural Union (URA) about the shortage of veterinarians in the western area, the counselor has admitted that it is a problem pending resolution, which he has linked to medical leaves and vacation periods, and has announced that the employment pool will be used to reinforce the service.
About the fact that the Veterinary Union of the Principality of Asturias has been given reason regarding the prevention materials for these professionals, it has recalled that a couple of years ago a meeting was held in which their claims and requests on matters they considered priorities were collected and that, for the Principality, were also relevant.
It has detailed that these demands affected aspects such as clothing, vehicles, and the improvement of the regional offices, and has stated that the regional Administration has responded to these issues.
In this line, it has maintained that the Ministry has made notable progress during the current Legislature, with an investment in this area "like never before".
Marcos Líndez has added that a process of modernization of the regional offices has been promoted and funding has been allocated for the renewal of the vehicle fleet.
"Never has so much investment been made to improve those infrastructures, to improve those facilities that are necessary, first of all, for those who go to those regional offices and, secondly, also for the public employees who are in a situation of more comfort and in more modern offices," the counselor has reiterated.
It has also highlighted that actions have been carried out to install the showers long demanded by veterinarians, wherever possible, as well as to provide PPE and renew work clothing.
"From there, I believe that we have been fulfilling or we try to fulfill and improve the working conditions of what we had agreed upon at that moment with them," it has concluded.