The Greek government has introduced eight measures to combat the ongoing outbreak of sheep and goat pox, following a review by a specially appointed Task Force. The measures aim to strengthen the country’s response to the disease and protect its livestock.
The measures were approved in a government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, with participation from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the Ministry of Civil Protection.
The eight measures include:
- Extended operation hours for disinfection stations to serve vehicles transporting animals, feed, and milk, with potential financial support for farmers covering disinfection costs.
- Intensified monitoring and enforcement, including penalties for non-compliance, with farmers violating the rules ineligible for compensation.
- Permanent preparedness mechanisms, including drone surveillance of animal movements, rapid supply of equipment, and enhanced veterinary staffing in regional authorities.
- Immediate recording and sanitary management of feed in infected farms to prevent further virus spread.
- Transparent reporting of outbreak data, including dates and number of affected farms per region.
- Ongoing education for farmers on biosecurity measures, prioritizing affected areas.
- Scientific committee to evaluate vaccine effectiveness, immunity duration, availability, and economic impact of potential vaccination programs.
- Rapid culling and destruction of infected herds within 72 hours of positive lab results, no later than four days.
Since August 2024, authorities have examined 2,949 samples, identifying 328 cases across 1,568 farms, with September recording a monthly peak of 328 cases. The regions most affected include Larissa, Xanthi, Evros, Magnesia, and Rhodope, with additional outbreaks in Achaia, Aetolia-Acarnania, Serres, and Pieria.
To date, more than 327,000 animals have been culled, with nearly half of these losses occurring in the last three months alone. The government continues to closely monitor the outbreak, coordinating with regional authorities, veterinarians, and farmers to ensure swift action and safeguard the livestock population.
