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Kalda has been performing the duties director general since the beginning of January and is paid and extra of 450 euros a month for simultaneous performance of two jobs, it appears from an order signed by Minister of Rural Affairs Urmas Kruuse on Wednesday.

Kalda stood in for Partel also during the disciplinary proceeding that ended on Dec. 31 with the minister's order to dismiss Partel from his job.

Eesti Paevaleht reported on Wednesday that employees of the Estonian Veterinary and Food Board have turned to the minister of rural affairs on two occasions as well as to the prime minister to ask for Partel to be reinstated.

Kruuse on Dec. 31 signed a ministerial order according to which the director general of the Veterinary and Food Board would be released from office as of Jan. 1, 2016.

"A disciplinary proceeding regarding the director general showed that Partel ordered his subjects to disclose false information to the public regarding the use of mobile animal carcass incinerator Hurikan 1000E when eliminating an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak site," Kruuse was quoted by spokespeople as saying.

Kruuse added that in light of the identified circumstances it is not possible to continue a reliable service relationship with Partel.

On Sept. 21 the Ministry of Rural Affairs initiated a disciplinary proceeding to look into a possible disciplinary offense of Partel.