N. Foteinias: Sheep and goat pox does not transmit to humans

"Sheep and goat pox does not transmit to humans," emphatically reminds Nikos Foteinias, Head of Veterinary Services for the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

In light of the increased demand for lamb and goat meat ahead of Easter, speaking to ERA Komotinis he underscores that "all slaughterhouses are under strict inspection" and assures that "under no circumstances will an infected animal enter the food chain."

He thus reassures consumers that "the purchase and consumption of lamb and goat meat is completely safe."

Sheep and Goat Pox: 15 New Outbreaks in the Last Month in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Fifteen new outbreaks of sheep and goat pox have been identified over the past month in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, following a roughly forty-day lull in the disease.

Specifically, as Mr. Foteinias stated in an interview with ERT Komotini, ten outbreaks were recorded on the island of Samothraki, three in Rodopi, and two in the Regional Unit of Kavala. A total of 2,900 animals have been culled.

Mr. Foteinias described the current situation as challenging and called on livestock farmers, especially during their increased activities ahead of Easter, "to not allow anyone involved in the meat trade to enter their farming facilities," as a measure to curb the resurgence of the disease.