Livestock crackdown intensifies as disease spreads ahead of Easter
The Ministry of Rural Development said stricter controls are in place in affected areas, where nearly 500,000 animals have been culled since August 2024. Checks are being intensified in coordination with police and veterinary services to prevent further spread.
Since February 1, 56 people have been arrested for violating restrictions. Livestock movement remains banned in impacted regions, with animals allowed for slaughter only under special authorization and after testing negative. The disease does not affect humans.
The government has ruled out vaccination, citing a lack of EU-approved vaccines and concerns over potential export restrictions on products such as feta cheese. Farmers have called for vaccinations to be permitted.
A total of 2,147 cases have been recorded, with recent spread to Preveza, Evritania and Ithaca.
Separately, a foot-and-mouth outbreak on Lesvos has resulted in 25 cases since mid-March, the first such incident in Greece in 25 years.
