Greece may impose a nationwide ban on the movement of sheep and goats if efforts to contain a smallpox outbreak in livestock fail, the government warned on Tuesday.
The outbreak of sheeppox has already led to the culling of more than 260,000 sheep and goats, around 2% of the country’s livestock, according to data from the Greek Agriculture Ministry. Over 1,100 farms have been forced to shut after authorities detected more than 2,400 cases across the past year, with most cases reported in July and August.
While sheeppox does not spread to humans, it threatens to push up meat prices for Greek consumers, who are already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis. The outbreak also poses a significant risk to feta cheese exports, a key product made from sheep and goat milk.
In response, authorities announced a 10-day plan requiring stockbreeders to tighten biosecurity measures, veterinarians to increase on-site inspections, and local officials to establish disinfection points to control livestock movement.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Christos Kellas emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying the next 10 days are critical to prevent a blanket ban. “This would mean a freeze on trade. They will not deliver milk, they will not deliver meat, there will be no slaughters across the country,” he told public broadcaster ERT.
Authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely, urging farmers and veterinarians to follow strict health and hygiene protocols to contain the spread and avoid nationwide restrictions.
