Alarm grows as foot-and-mouth disease spreads across Midilli (Lesvos) farms
Authorities in Greece are raising alarms over a growing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the island of Lesvos, where dozens of livestock operations have tested positive in recent weeks.
According to data released by the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, a total of 116 farms tested positive between March 15 and May 4, with 76 confirmed cases of the highly contagious viral disease.
Extensive Testing and Surveillance
During the same period, veterinary teams inspected 674 livestock holdings across the island. These included 575 sheep farms, 12 goat farms, 15 cattle operations, and 72 mixed-production facilities.
Authorities collected blood samples from 22,957 animals, while 36,089 specimens were sent to the National Reference Laboratory for analysis—underscoring the scale of the monitoring effort.
Strict Measures Urged Across Supply Chain
The ministry has called on all stakeholders—including farmers, traders, transport operators, slaughterhouses, and dairy producers—to strictly adhere to veterinary guidelines.
Officials emphasized that compliance with biosecurity measures is critical to containing the outbreak and protecting livestock populations. Movement restrictions, sanitation protocols, and heightened inspections are being reinforced.
Highly Contagious but Not a Human Threat
Foot-and-mouth disease is a fast-spreading viral infection that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. It can spread through direct contact, contaminated equipment, vehicles, and even human activity. In some cases, airborne transmission is also possible.
Authorities stressed that the disease does not pose a risk to human health, but warned that it represents a serious economic and agricultural threat due to its impact on animal productivity and trade.
Heightened Vigilance in the Region
The outbreak on Lesvos has prompted increased vigilance across Greece and neighboring regions, as officials work to prevent further spread.
Experts note that early detection, rapid response, and strict adherence to containment protocols will be key to limiting the damage.
