Greek livestock farmers have voiced deep concerns over the potential spread of goat and sheep pox following a meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion in Athens.
Representatives from agricultural cooperatives across Greece, including Pavlos Satolias, President of the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (ETH.E.A.S.), highlighted the urgency of establishing a contingency “Plan B” in case of new outbreaks. Farmers fear that without immediate action, the disease could severely impact the sector after Easter.
Calls for Support and Recovery Measures
During the discussions, farmers emphasized the need for rapid assistance for those who have already lost animals, calling for flexible procedures to help rebuild their herds. Satolias stressed that long delays in support could endanger the recovery of livestock populations, which are crucial not only to farmers but also to local economies.
The Prime Minister reportedly addressed the importance of genetic improvements in livestock and pledged resources for feed support, as well as additional financial aid for farmers under animal confinement measures.
Government Response
Justice Minister Kostas Tsiaras described the meeting as productive, noting that the eradication of the disease requires coordinated efforts and strict biosecurity measures. The government plans a comprehensive strategy to support Greek livestock farming, combining immediate relief measures with long-term development programs.
“This sector provides significant value not only to farmers but to local communities and the nation’s exports,” Tsiaras said, emphasizing the urgency of eliminating the disease to protect the agricultural economy.
