Greece regains official PPR-free status

Greece has officially regained its status as a country free of peste des petits ruminants, or PPR, effective August 18, 2026, following a decision by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The decision follows a request submitted by Greece after veterinary authorities successfully eradicated the disease and met the requirements for the restoration of its officially recognised disease-free status.

WOAH recognises Greece’s response

The decision was formally communicated to the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food in a letter from WOAH Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran.

The organisation’s Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases assessed data submitted by the ministry’s Directorate-General of Veterinary Services before confirming that Greece meets the requirements set out in Article 14.7.7 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

The restoration of Greece’s PPR-free status has also been recorded on WOAH’s official website.

Recognition for disease control efforts

WOAH also praised Greece for its handling of the outbreaks, highlighting the transparency and effectiveness demonstrated by the country in detecting the disease and implementing measures to control and eradicate it.

The restoration of the status represents an important milestone for Greece’s livestock sector and formally confirms the country’s success in eliminating PPR and meeting international animal health standards.

Source:AMNA