Sheep and goat pox: Eleven new cases in Eastern Macedonia–Thrace, five in İskeçe

More than one-third of all outbreak sites nationwide are located in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT), according to updated data released by the National Committee for the Management and Control of Sheep and Goat Pox.

The Ministry of Rural Development and Food, together with the National Scientific Committee for the Management and Control of Sheep and Goat Pox, has published updated consolidated data on the disease’s progression based on reports from veterinary services across the country.

Nationwide Situation (August 2024 – 30 November 2025)

During this period:

• 1,834 confirmed cases of sheep and goat pox were recorded,
• affecting 2,270 farms nationwide,
• while 433,229 animals were culled as part of mandatory health protocols.

EMT Remains the Most Affected Region

The burden is particularly significant in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, which accounts for 581 cases across 707 farms—approximately one-third of all outbreaks nationwide.

Breakdown by regional unit in EMT:

İskeçe: 207 cases in 247 farms

Rhodope: 159 cases in 194 farms

Meriç: 164 cases in 208 farms

Kavala: 48 cases in 55 farms

Drama: 3 cases in 3 farms

İskeçe ranks among the regions with the highest number of outbreaks in Greece, alongside Larisa, Serres, and Achaia, confirming that EMT remains at the epicenter of the disease.

Latest Weekly Data (24–30 November 2025)

For the most recent reporting period, 80 new cases were detected nationwide across 17 regional units. Of these, 11 cases were recorded in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace:

İskeçe: 5 new cases

Drama: 2

Rhodope: 2

Meriç: 1

Kavala: 1

The Ministry notes that data on the progression of the disease are continuously updated based on final reports submitted by Regional Units and will be regularly published by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food to ensure transparent information for both producers and the public.