Greece has implemented a nationwide ban on the transportation of sheep and goats in an effort to control the spread of a highly contagious infection known as “goat plague.”
“The movement of sheep and goats for breeding, fattening, and slaughter is prohibited across Greece,” the agriculture ministry announced. This decision follows the detection of new infection cases in the central Larissa region and in Corinth in the south.
The virus, also referred to as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), is deadly, killing between 80% and 100% of infected animals. Fortunately, it does not pose a threat to humans.
In a statement released on Monday, the Greek agriculture ministry explained that the ban aims to “limit the spread and ultimately eradicate the disease.” The ministry has informed livestock farmers, cheesemakers, slaughterhouse owners, and feed suppliers about the new restrictions.
Over the weekend, ministry officials held urgent meetings with local authorities in the affected regions. An investigation is underway to determine the source of the outbreak, with officials not ruling out the possibility of “suspicious imports” from abroad.
Greece is also coordinating with the European Union and veterinary services across member states. According to EU regulations, the entire flock must be culled once a PPR case is confirmed, followed by disinfection of the affected farm. Since the disease first appeared in Greece on July 11, at least 7,000 animals have been culled.
Greece has the largest population of goats in Europe, with goat and sheep milk being essential for producing feta cheese, a signature Greek product. PPR was first identified in Ivory Coast in 1942 and has since spread to various parts of the world.
The Greek government is taking comprehensive measures to address this outbreak, including strict transportation bans, thorough investigations, and close collaboration with EU authorities to prevent further spread of the disease and protect the country’s vital livestock industry.
