Workers from the Plant Health Directorate, who were destroying infected citrus trees in the area of San Blas, were assaulted and threatened according to a statement issued by the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs. The Ministry said that it condemns this irresponsible behavior.

The Ministry said that the Department for Plant Health had carried out inspections in November, in accordance with the standards and rules of law as stipulated in the Plant Quarantine Act and had found that these trees were infected. Moreover the Ministry said, in the same month the farmers were notified of the results and that these trees would have to be destroyed to eradicate the disease.

However the Ministry said, when work started on the cutting of these trees the workers were threatened, a situation which was controlled by the police.

A warrant of prohibitory injunction was later issued by the Gozo Courts stopping the work and the case is to be heard this coming Friday.

The Department for Plant Health said its required by law to make these inspections and will remain committed to controlling and preventing the spread of diseases in trees.

The Department for Plant Health said it would also like to inform the public that there is no need for alarm as the Department is making the necessary inspections continuously. For more information one can visit their website at www.planthealth.gov.mt or telephone on Freephone: 80072310.

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