Greece on alert ahead of Easter over livestock diseases and supply risks

Farmers and market stakeholders are calling for the urgent expansion of testing infrastructure, warning that delays could disrupt meat supply chains during one of the most commercially critical periods of the year.

Calls for More Testing Centers
According to industry representatives, the current pace of testing remains insufficient to meet demand. Despite a recent decline in sheep and goat pox cases, officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the national scientific committee have stressed that there is “no room for complacency.”

Producers are urging authorities to accelerate testing procedures to determine which slaughterhouses can operate safely ahead of Easter.

Foot-and-Mouth Case Triggers Quarantine
Concerns intensified after a case of foot-and-mouth disease was detected on March 15 at a cattle farm on Lesbos. The island was subsequently placed under full quarantine in line with European Union Regulation 2020/687, and all slaughter activities were temporarily banned.

Although the disease does not pose a risk to humans, it is considered one of the most dangerous livestock diseases globally due to its rapid spread, including airborne transmission, which increases the risk for neighboring farms.

Strict Measures and Expanded Controls
Authorities have imposed sweeping restrictions in affected zones, including a total ban on the movement of sheep and goats. Transport for slaughter is only permitted under strict veterinary supervision and testing protocols.

Additional measures include:

• Expansion of laboratory networks, including the involvement of Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)
• Deployment of 97 military veterinarians across 10 regions
• Emergency hiring of 49 staff to support field operations and laboratories
• Activation of disinfection checkpoints on key transport routes
• Cooperation with Hellenic Police to prevent illegal animal transport
• A new joint ministerial decision also applies faster compensation for farmers affected by livestock culling, provided they comply with regulations.

Industry Warns of Supply Disruptions
Sector representatives warn that unless testing accelerates, Greece may face significant supply disruptions.

“There is a real risk that lambs will remain unslaughtered despite strong demand,” said industry officials, noting that currently only one laboratory in Larissa is processing samples nationwide, with additional capacity expected to come online soon.

Farmers also highlight the economic burden of containment measures, including mandatory confinement of animals, which increases costs and reduces productivity.

Market Uncertainty Ahead of Holiday Peak
With energy prices rising amid broader geopolitical tensions, stakeholders expect volatility in meat prices but say it is still too early for precise forecasts.

Market participants warn that reduced supply, combined with cautious consumer demand, could create price pressures in the days leading up to Easter.