A tragic incident has shaken the rural community of Pieria in northern Greece, where a 52-year-old livestock farmer ended his life after losing his entire flock of 1,000 sheep to a sheeppox outbreak.

The farmer’s brother described the depth of his grief, noting the man’s close bond with his animals. “It’s been 20 days since they culled the sheep, and he took it very hard. Those in charge are responsible… families are being destroyed,” he said.

Nikos Kalaitzis, the president of the nearby Vrontou community, said the entire village is in mourning. “He was one of the most beloved residents. The whole family has always worked with livestock, and he grew up with the animals and fields. We were all shocked. Losing his flock broke him,” he explained.