İskeçe declared under special civil protection mobilization due to sheep pox outbreak
The Ministry of Rural Development and Food has activated an emergency response plan with seven urgent measures to combat the growing outbreak of sheep and goat pox, following a directive by Minister Kostas Tsiaras. The situation is considered extremely critical, requiring the full mobilization of all available resources to swiftly contain and eradicate the disease.
The emergency measures now in effect include:
- Special Civil Protection Mobilization has been declared for the following regions after coordination between Minister Tsiaras and regional governors:
- Western Greece: Aetolia-Acarnania
- Central Greece: Phocis
- Thessaly: Magnesia, Larissa, Trikala
- Western Macedonia: Florina
- Central Macedonia: Serres, Chalkidiki
- Eastern Macedonia and Thrace: İskeçe, Northern Meriç, Rhodope, Samothrace
2. Strict movement bans on sheep and goats within protection and surveillance zones have been enforced. The Hellenic Police will support this effort by monitoring vehicles for illegal animal transport at zone borders. Surveillance will also be supported by drones to prevent unauthorized grazing. Minister Tsiaras has already coordinated with Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis for this purpose.
3. All veterinarians under the Ministry's affiliated agencies are being mobilized to support field operations and reinforce disease control teams.
4. In cases where farmers challenge the measures legally, the competent services will still immediately implement all required actions, including the culling of animals, under Article 7 of EU Regulation 625/2017, to prevent further spread.
5. Regional authorities will carry out systematic disinfection of rural roads in protection zones, especially around infected hotspots.
6. Penalties will be strictly enforced for all violations, and the possibility of tougher regulations is under review.
7. A Special Committee for Epizootic Management will be established, comprising officials from the Ministry’s Veterinary Service, the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (ETHEAS), Interprofessional Organizations (for meat and feta), SEVGAP, SEK, ELGO Dimitra, and the University of Thessaly’s Veterinary Department.
Authorities urge livestock owners and residents in affected areas to strictly follow all instructions and cooperate fully with veterinary and enforcement teams to contain the outbreak.
