Prosecutor orders urgent investigation as sheep pox crisis deepens in Greece
A senior prosecutor in Greece has ordered an urgent investigation into the handling of the ongoing sheep and goat pox outbreak, which continues to spread and devastate livestock in key farming regions, including Thessaly and Thrace.
Lambros Tsiogkas, head of the Larissa Appeals Prosecutor’s Office, has directed local prosecutors across the four prefectures of Thessaly to examine whether proper biosecurity measures were followed. The investigation will also look into the risk of infected animals entering the food chain, raising concerns about public health and food safety.
The order comes as the government considers a full lockdown on sheep and goat movement — a measure authorities have tried to avoid but now see as increasingly likely.
“The possibility of a livestock lockdown is on the table,” said Deputy Agriculture Minister Christos Kellas in an interview with national broadcaster ERT on Sunday. “We’ve taken many steps, including the recent ‘10-day raid’ operation that required mandatory disinfection points in all regions — but cases haven’t dropped as much as expected.”
Farmers across northern Greece, particularly in Thessaly and Western Thrace, say the disease is destroying their flocks and livelihoods. Many are calling for faster and stronger action from the government.
According to Dimitris Moschos, president of the Hellenic Livestock Association, the outbreak has already caused over €350 million in damages over the past 14 months.
“The livestock sector is in a state of emergency,” Moschos warned. “If decisions are delayed any longer, the damage may become irreversible.”
Local farmers, many of whom are already recovering from past flooding and economic strain, fear that without immediate support and clear measures, the future of Greek animal farming is at serious risk.
