European Center for Exotic Animal Diseases to be established in Meriç
In a significant step for animal health and agricultural development in Northern Greece, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and the Hellenic Agricultural Organization – ELGO DIMITRA signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and a Programmatic Agreement on Thursday, aiming to upgrade the region's veterinary infrastructure and establish a European Center for Exotic Animal Diseases.
The initiative will transform the existing animal disease center in Kumçiftliği (Orestiada) into a state-of-the-art European-level institution, with a focus on early warning systems for detecting high-risk diseases. The region’s proximity to non-EU countries and its role as a major entry point for livestock make it particularly vulnerable to transboundary animal diseases.
Strengthening biosecurity and innovation in agriculture
The agreement outlines a comprehensive action plan that includes:
Enhancing biosecurity protocols at border regions,
Developing research programs addressing the impacts of climate change on animal health,
Promoting organic and low-input livestock farming,
Supporting education and knowledge transfer for professionals in the agri-food sector, with a goal to improve milk and meat quality.
The center will also focus on zoonoses, epizootic disease prevention, and early intervention in critical zones, reinforcing public health safeguards.
A critical geographic role
Due to its geographic location, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace plays a pivotal role in monitoring and controlling the spread of animal diseases from neighboring countries. The cooperation agreement emphasizes joint efforts to mitigate cross-border risks through coordinated scientific and administrative action.
Regional Governor Topsidis: "A Milestone for Animal Health and Public Safety"
Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis praised the agreement as a transformative moment for the region:
"Today we signed a landmark cooperation agreement with Minister of Rural Development and Food Mr. Kostas Tsiaras and ELGO DIMITRA’s First Vice President Mr. Nektarios Vidakis. This lays the groundwork for the operation of the European Center for Exotic Animal Diseases in Meriç (Evros)."
Topsidis noted that this collaboration will:
Strengthen public health and livestock protection,
Enable early detection and rapid response to animal disease outbreaks,
Boost research, education, and sustainable farming,
Reactivate a long-dormant facility in Orestiada into a modern scientific hub for disease prevention and management.
“With this partnership, we’re proving that when vision, planning, and collaboration come together, meaningful and sustainable results for our region can be achieved,” he added.
