KUWAIT CITY, Aug 30: The daily production of milk and dairy products reached 190 tons after months of heavy losses incurred by the livestock sector due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Sulaibiya farms, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Abdulhakim Al-Ahmad, head of the Kuwait Fresh Dairy Producers Union, announced that farms are gradually recovering, thanks to the intervention of the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) teams that quickly vaccinated the cows in affected farms, thereby curbing the spread of the disease. Al-Ahmad told the newspaper that FMD caused heavy losses for farmers and breeders in Sulaibiya Agricultural Area, leading to a decline in the daily production of milk and dairy products from 250 tons per day to 170 tons.

He affirmed that production gradually recovered, reaching about 190 tons per day in farms and in factories operated by national companies. He said the union recently held meetings with a number of officials, demanding compensation for farmers and breeders for the losses they incurred due to the spread of the disease. He appreciated the cooperation of Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem in supporting their demand. He stressed that those in charge of the dairy farms in Sulaibiya are committed to the ongoing sterilization and disinfection procedures, particularly the milking equipment and sites used for milk production. He also affirmed the training of workers and raising their awareness on the preventive measures that must be taken in case of infection or if an animal is suspected of being infected. He added that the union is also striving to realize its objective to secure a sufficient stock of all types of fodder to ensure the continuity of local production. He underscored the importance of expediting the decision-making process to compensate farmers for the enormous losses they suffered due to the outbreak.