Greece expands compensation coverage for livestock disease prevention nationwide
Greece is expanding financial support for livestock disease prevention, extending compensation coverage to all regions, including those without confirmed outbreaks of major animal diseases.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Food (YPAAΤ) announced that it will now reimburse operational costs linked to preventive measures against Sheep Pox and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
Previously, compensation was limited to regions with confirmed cases. Under the revised framework, authorities will also fund regions implementing precautionary actions, even in the absence of outbreaks—aligning with provisions under European Commission Regulation 2022/2472.
The updated policy forms part of Greece’s 2026 veterinary health program, aimed at strengthening surveillance, prevention, and rapid response mechanisms in the livestock sector.
Broader Coverage for Prevention and Response
The ministry clarified that eligible expenses now include:
- Preventive monitoring and surveillance measures
- Emergency interventions to contain potential outbreaks
- Costs tied to mandatory culling, disposal, and transport of infected animals
- Cleaning and disinfection of farms and facilities
- Destruction or sanitation of contaminated feed, materials, and equipment
These measures are designed to limit disease spread at an early stage, reducing both economic losses and risks to the agricultural supply chain.
Strengthening Biosecurity Nationwide
The expansion reflects a broader EU-aligned strategy to reinforce biosecurity standards and encourage early intervention. By compensating preventive actions, authorities aim to incentivize regional governments and farmers to act before outbreaks escalate.
The decision is expected to improve readiness across Greece’s livestock sector, particularly in regions vulnerable to cross-border animal disease transmission.
