Μake us preferred on Google Greece’s Agriculture Ministry is working on a comprehensive plan to rebuild the country’s livestock sector as farmers face mounting losses from animal disease outbreaks, difficulties finding replacement animals and uncertainty over future compensation and exports.
In an interview with To Vima, Ministry of Rural Development and Food Secretary-General Spiros Protopsaltis addressed concerns over the use of antibody tests, the challenges of rebuilding herds and the potential impact of the crisis on feta cheese production.
The situation in rural Greece remains severe, with 208 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and 2,257 cases of sheep and goat pox reported. Producers are also struggling with the financial burden of restarting their operations.
Antibody tests do not automatically imply wrongdoing
One of the main sources of tension between livestock farmers and authorities is the extensive antibody surveillance program. Producers have raised concerns that a positive test could automatically lead to accusations of illegal vaccination and the loss of eligibility for compensation.
Protopsaltis stressed that protecting farmers who comply with the law and follow required biosecurity measures is a priority. He emphasized that detecting antibodies against sheep and goat pox does not, by itself, constitute evidence of illegal activity or farmer liability.
Each case, he explained, is assessed through established veterinary surveillance and epidemiological investigation procedures. Authorities consider laboratory findings alongside the farm’s history and other available evidence.
“We must distinguish between the scientific identification of a health-related finding and the possible attribution of criminal responsibility,” Protopsaltis said. “The latter requires an investigation into a specific criminal act and cannot arise automatically from a positive laboratory result.”
The government’s stated objective, he added, is to protect animal health without unfairly targeting farmers who comply with the rules.
Livestock shortages complicate herd recovery plans
Rebuilding herds is another major challenge for producers, who face a shortage of suitable replacement animals and rising prices in the market.
Protopsaltis acknowledged that the limited availability of suitable livestock in both the Greek and wider European markets is an additional obstacle that must be taken into account.
“Rebuilding herds is a key pillar of our planning, but it is not simply a matter of replacing the animals that were lost,” he said. “The priority is to ensure a safe restart without risking further spread of the disease.”
Under the EU regulatory framework, specifically Regulation 2020/687, the process will take place under the supervision of veterinary authorities, with strict health safeguards, full traceability and certification, he said.
The ministry is developing a comprehensive plan for the recovery of Greek livestock farming. It will take into account the actual availability of animals, the need to preserve the distinctive production characteristics of domestic breeds, biosecurity requirements and the modernization of livestock facilities.
Feta production and exports remain a strategic priority
The outbreak-related disruption has also raised concerns about the supply of raw materials for feta production and the potential impact on prices. Previous estimates have suggested that the price of feta could rise to as much as €20 per kilogram amid shortages of milk.
Protopsaltis reaffirmed that protecting feta, one of Greece’s flagship export products, is a strategic priority.
He also sought to address concerns that a prolonged animal health crisis could lead to restrictions on Greek products in international markets. Health restrictions, he explained, do not apply uniformly to all animal products or destinations. Their scope depends on the disease involved, the epidemiological situation, the characteristics and processing of each product, and the requirements of the importing country.
“The protection of feta production and exports is directly linked to supporting Greek sheep and goat farming,” he said. “That is why tackling animal diseases and rebuilding the sector are interconnected priorities.”
