
Suurfarmid sulgevad suu- ja sõrataudi kartuses ukse
Large farms are closing their doors due to fear of foot-and-mouth disease
Paljud suurfarmid Euroopas on hakanud külastajatele oma talusid sulgema suu- ja sõrataudi leviku tõttu. See mõjutab suvitajaid ja maaeluturismi.
Many large farms in Europe have started closing their farms to visitors due to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. This affects vacationers and rural tourism.
The largest goat farm in the Baltic region, located on the Estonian-Latvian border in Missos, has put up signs this week. These prohibit visitors from entering the farm territory. The farm owner Kermo Rannamäe said they have already canceled three tours. Their shop is also closed.
Nopri Farm is also closed to visitors. The farm owner Tiit Niilo said that the risk of agrotourism is too high compared to a possible pandemic. He said people understand this because they have already encountered the coronavirus.
New biological safety measures have been introduced on the farms. These concern food, the movement of livestock, and the hygiene of workers.
Closing the farms is not an easy decision. For Andri-Peedo Farm, receiving visitors is important. Rannamäe said that production continues, but the lack of visitors makes the summer boring. Farm sales and tours are a big part of their business.
According to Niilo, the lack of visitors does not affect Nopri Farm's business much. He said it is a small thing compared to a possible crisis. Nopri Farm is not participating in Open Farm Day this year.
The Ministry of Agriculture said that Open Farm Day will take place, but it is not yet clear whether cows, goats, and sheep will be visible there. Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras said that the risk analysis will be completed soon and they will decide based on it which farms can participate.