Greek PM chairs high-level meeting on sheep and goat pox: Regions call for unified biosecurity strategy

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the Maximos Mansion, focusing on the implementation of biosecurity measures to combat sheep and goat pox, a highly contagious livestock disease affecting the country.

Among those attending were Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, alongside the regional governors of Central Macedonia, Western Greece, Thessaly, and Epirus.

Next Three Months Seen as Critical

During the meeting, officials stressed that the next three months will be crucial, as authorities seek to capitalize on the decline in recorded cases during the winter period. Participants agreed on the need for strict, horizontal enforcement of biosecurity measures nationwide.

The discussion highlighted the importance of continued and strengthened cooperation between regional authorities and the Ministries of Rural Development and Food and Citizen Protection, with particular emphasis on intensified inspections at slaughterhouses to prevent illegal animal movements.

More Veterinarians and Expanded Laboratory Support

A key priority identified was the increased presence of veterinarians in the field. In this context, authorities have already initiated measures to reinforce veterinary services through:

• Military veterinarians
• Authorized private veterinarians
• Temporary staff

Expanded use of laboratories, including ELGO, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Thessaly, and CERTH (EKETA)

The national scientific committee reiterated that strict adherence to scientifically proven biosecurity measures is essential for eradicating the disease.

Vaccination Not Recommended Under Current Conditions

Experts warned that mass vaccination could worsen the situation if biosecurity measures are insufficient. Current vaccines contain live attenuated virus, which may pose a risk of further spread rather than containment. Moreover, there is no reliable method to distinguish vaccinated animals from infected ones, complicating disease control efforts.

“Strict Biosecurity Is the Only Way Forward”

Speaking after the meeting, Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis emphasized a shared and clear position:

“There was a common and unequivocal conclusion: the full and strict implementation of biosecurity measures is the only way forward.”

He added that consistency, cooperation, and a unified strategy are essential to protect livestock farming, producers, and the sustainability of the primary sector.

“The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace will continue to stand at the forefront, in full coordination with the state, other regions, and competent authorities,” Topsidis said, underlining that the ultimate goal is to leave this difficult period behind with responsibility, seriousness, and respect for scientific knowledge.