Greece on alert after foot-and-mouth disease case near Turkish border
Veterinary authorities in northeastern Greece have been placed on high alert following the confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in northwestern Türkiye, raising concerns over potential cross-border transmission.
The case was detected in the Malkara region, approximately 50 kilometers from the Greek-Turkish border, prompting immediate preventive measures in the Greek region of Evros.
Biosecurity Measures Intensified
According to Nikos Fotinias, head of Veterinary Services for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, authorities have already mobilized to strengthen biosecurity protocols. Speaking to ERT Orestiada, Fotinias confirmed that official notifications had been sent to the Ministry of Rural Development and regional authorities.
Preventive actions include the installation of disinfection mats at border checkpoints and the daily use of disinfectant solutions in sanitation trenches. These measures are expected to remain in place on a permanent basis, with local municipalities and regional authorities sharing operational responsibilities.
Restrictions on Animal Products
Authorities have also issued clear guidance to police and customs officials to prevent the entry of certain animal products from Türkiye—particularly soft cheeses that may not have undergone sufficient heat treatment to neutralize the virus.
Officials noted that the effectiveness of these controls will depend on both the volume of cross-border traffic and the availability of inspection personnel.
Livestock and Border Controls Tightened
Veterinary services have called for additional safeguards, including securing all perimeter fencing along transport routes to prevent the movement of stray animals that could carry the virus.
Farmers in border-adjacent areas, particularly near Feres, had already been advised since September to relocate livestock away from riverine zones and closer to controlled areas behind fencing. Authorities have also proposed financial support measures to help cover increased feed costs resulting from these relocations.
Export and Economic Risks
Officials warned that if the virus enters Greece, the consequences could be severe. A potential outbreak would likely trigger an immediate suspension of dairy exports until inspections are completed and the scale of the outbreak is fully assessed.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals, and outbreaks often carry significant economic repercussions for the agricultural sector.
