Foot-and-mouth disease case confirmed in Türkiye near border, raising larm in Northern Greece
A confirmed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Malkara region of Türkiye has placed livestock farmers and veterinary authorities in Northern Greece on high alert, amid concerns over possible cross-border spread of the highly contagious animal disease.
According to local reports, the infected herd in Malkara was culled immediately after the diagnosis was confirmed. Authorities in the area have also imposed a 10-kilometer quarantine zone around affected villages to contain the outbreak.
The development is considered particularly serious due to the region’s proximity to Greece’s northeastern border, near the Meriç area and the Bahçeköy (Kipi) Border Crossing, one of the main entry points between the two countries.
Livestock stakeholders in Greece have expressed concern over the risk of transmission, especially given ongoing challenges with other animal disease outbreaks in recent years.
Speaking to local media, Dimitris Psematmas, head of the Livestock Association of İskeçe, warned that preventive measures in the region are insufficient. He argued that the disease is “likely already present” in the broader area and criticized the lack of systematic disinfection controls at border crossings and transport routes.
He also highlighted what he described as inadequate biosecurity measures, warning that delays in response could lead to severe economic damage for the livestock sector across Thrace.
In contrast, Rıdvan Hacımehmet, Regional Deputy Governor for Agriculture and Veterinary Policy in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, stated that authorities are implementing maximum precautionary measures. He noted that border disinfection systems, mobile veterinary units, and coordination with the Ministry of Rural Development are already in place.
Hatzimehmet added that the region remains on full alert and that additional protocols from the central government will be implemented immediately if required. He emphasized that there are currently no suspected cases within Greek territory.
Foot-and-mouth disease, which affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, can spread rapidly and cause significant economic losses, prompting heightened surveillance across border regions.
