Kuwait dairy farms hit by FMD outbreak

Several dairy farms in Kuwait have been hit by a foot and mouth disease outbreak, triggering a sharp increase in fresh milk prices. In response, dairy companies have urged the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to take measures to mitigate the impact of the outbreak on the sector. According to informed sources, there has been a 30 to 40% spike in dairy companies’ operational costs due to reduced milk output. The FMD outbreak has created a gap between supply and demand, exerting financial pressure on suppliers. The gap is also affecting milk distributed through the government’s ration card system. Dairy companies have suggested financial compensation to cover their losses, but Minister of Commerce Khalifa Al-Ajeel seems unwilling to accept such a proposal, noting that the current crisis is temporary and that any measure to address the problem should not affect consumers’ finances. Discussions between Ministry officials and dairy producers are ongoing to find a solution to the issue.