Emergency measures have been introduced in Greece’s Kastoria regional unit to contain the spread of sheep pox after infections were confirmed at livestock farms in Germas, in the municipality of Argos Orestiko.

The measures were announced by the local Veterinary Sub-Directorate following a report from the Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Virology, Rickettsial and Exotic Diseases of the Athens Veterinary Center, which confirmed the presence of the disease in the affected farms.

Under the new restrictions, the movement of live animals and non-edible products from susceptible species outside the Kastoria regional unit is prohibited. The buying and selling of sheep and goats across the entire area is also banned, along with grazing in protection zones, surveillance zones, and the wider restricted zone.

The reconstruction or establishment of new sheep and goat farms within the restricted areas is also prohibited.

Three Restricted Zones Established

Authorities have established three zones around the infected farm in the local community of Germas.

The first is a protection zone extending within a 5-kilometer radius of the infected farm. It includes the communities and settlements of Germas and Palio Kostarazi in Kastoria.

The second is a surveillance zone extending within a 20-kilometer radius of the infected farm. It includes several communities and settlements across the Kastoria regional unit.

Controlled Slaughter and Product Movement

The slaughter of animals is permitted at the nearest slaughterhouse and only after approval from the competent veterinary authority, according to the service’s decision.

The movement of fresh milk and animal byproducts—including dead animals, manure, milk, hides, wool, animal byproducts, internal organs, and other tissues from slaughterhouses—is allowed under the conditions set out in the decision. The management of animal feed is also permitted under the same framework.

Veterinary Inspections Underway

The Veterinary Sub-Directorate said inspections of livestock operations within the protection and surveillance zones are already underway, with the aim of preventing further transmission of the disease.

Authorities called on livestock farmers to comply with the required biosecurity measures, which have been communicated and implemented in recent months, so that sheep and goat farming in the Kastoria regional unit can recover.

The veterinary service added that there has been no change regarding the municipalities and local communities included in the protection, surveillance, and further restricted zones.