Farmers affected by avian flu report proactively, Executive Yuan to provide full compensation
Premier Deputy of the Executive Yuan Chang San-cheng today (19th) chaired the "second meeting of the Executive Yuan Avian Influenza Epidemic Response Center." Regarding the compensation issue that farmers affected by the disaster are concerned about, Deputy Premier Chang pointed out that the units related to this epidemic have identified it as a new virus, so as long as cases are reported proactively, full compensation will be provided after culling. As for the sharing ratio of central and local compensation funds, it is currently one-half each; in principle, central subsidies will be increased, but because local areas have not yet submitted their assessed amounts, the amount will be further estimated and discussed after evaluating local financial conditions. If there is a shortfall, the Executive Yuan will provide support from the Second Reserve Fund.
Regarding the loan issues farmers are concerned about, Deputy Premier Chang said that in addition to existing measures, the government hopes to extend the repayment period by at least more than six months. At present, farmer loans total about 2.8 billion yuan. How many farmers among them have been harmed by this epidemic will be further calculated precisely. The interest portion will be borne by the central government, and any shortfall will also be covered by the Second Reserve Fund.
Deputy Premier Chang said that the Environmental Protection Administration has been asked to take stock of the capacity of rendering plants and incinerators in each county and city, to plan regions for "mutual cooperation," and to plan in advance when poultry will be incinerated directly in incinerators. As for the certification of vehicles transporting dead poultry, the Environmental Protection Administration is asked to draw up response measures in advance.
Regarding local reports of insufficient manpower and supplies, Deputy Premier Chang pointed out that the national defense units have established contact windows. In addition to assisting with related disinfection work, they have also deployed manpower to assist with the transport of dead and diseased poultry. For supply coordination, a cross-ministerial supply coordination and monitoring early-warning mechanism will be established, from first-line counties and cities, second-line Council of Agriculture, third-line Ministry of Health and Welfare, to fourth-line Ministry of Economic Affairs production factories, establishing a supply chain system at four levels, and establishing a monitoring mechanism and support system.
As for the health monitoring of epidemic prevention personnel, Deputy Premier Chang pointed out that the Ministry of Health and Welfare has assisted the Council of Agriculture in monitoring the health of relevant workers. Last week, the Ministry of National Defense deployed manpower for support, so the military medical system will also participate in monitoring and will cross-check with the Ministry of Health and Welfare in mutual support to ensure the health of workers engaged in epidemic prevention work.
Deputy Premier Chang said that regarding prices, the government will continue monitoring and predicts that the public may lean toward consuming pork because of the epidemic. The Council of Agriculture is asked to promote the healthy and safe consumption of chicken to avoid public panic. The government will make every effort to maintain stable prices for related meat products.