Greek authorities are intensifying measures to control goat and sheep pox, with a focus on biosecurity and veterinary oversight, following a government meeting at the Maximos Mansion chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The meeting brought together ministers, regional governors, and experts to coordinate efforts against the disease, which has affected several regions in Greece. The government emphasized that vaccination is not part of the strategy, citing scientific advice that mass vaccination could worsen the situation if biosecurity measures are insufficient.
“The only priority and strategy is the full implementation of biosecurity measures,” Mitsotakis said. “We are focusing on a window of two to three months to build on the decline in cases and achieve the final goal: eradicating the disease while protecting the sustainability of Greek livestock.”
Authorities plan to increase field veterinary presence using military and private veterinarians, strengthen inspections at slaughterhouses, and utilize additional laboratories including those at the University of Thessaly and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
The Prime Minister and officials stressed the importance of cooperation between the Ministry of Rural Development, the Ministry of Citizen Protection, regional authorities, and livestock farmers. Targeted measures include preventing illegal animal movements, monitoring unauthorized vaccines, and supporting farmers with compensation and subsidies to rebuild herds.
Professor Charalampos Billinis, President of the National Scientific Committee for Disease Control, highlighted the urgency: “With strict biosecurity applied at over 90% compliance, we have a golden opportunity in the next two and a half months to eliminate the disease in Greece.”
The government underlined that maintaining Greek livestock production and exports, particularly feta cheese, is crucial both for farmers’ livelihoods and local economies. Officials also confirmed that the current number of cases is at its lowest point this season, offering a critical window for effective intervention.
