New foot-and-mouth disease threat: Eastern Macedonia & Thrace on high alert

Authorities in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT) have issued an urgent warning following a sharp increase in Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks in neighboring Türkiye. Over the past month, 274 outbreaks have been confirmed across the country, including one case reported just meters from the Greek-Turkish border in the northern Meriç region on 20 November.

The Regional Veterinary Directorate of EMT is calling for the immediate implementation of strict biosecurity measures to prevent the virus from entering Greece.

Disease Situation

Between 21 October and 21 November, data reported through the EU’s ADIS system confirmed widespread FMD activity across Türkiye. The case near the Evros border has heightened concerns due to the proximity to Greek livestock farms.

How FMD Spreads

Foot-and-Mouth Disease affects all cloven-hoofed animals—including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats—and is considered one of the most economically damaging livestock diseases.
Importantly, FMD does NOT infect humans and is not a zoonotic disease.

The primary routes of transmission include:

• Direct contact with infected animals
• Contaminated animal products such as unpasteurized milk or food scraps
• Indirect spread through clothing, footwear, equipment, or vehicles
• Aerosol transmission, which is less common but possible in high-density farming areas

Cold temperatures and high humidity significantly increase viral survival and spread.

Symptoms in Animals

Veterinarians warn producers to watch for:

• Excessive salivation, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite
• Blisters and lesions in the mouth, on the tongue, and around the hooves
• Lameness and reduced milk production
• Abortions and sudden deaths in newborn animals

Sheep and goats may show very mild symptoms, making detection more difficult.

Biosecurity Measures Ordered

To protect Greek livestock, the Veterinary Directorate recommends farmers immediately adopt the following precautions:

• Restrict entry to farms; only essential staff and authorized veterinary personnel allowed
• Avoid mixing animals from different farms
• Disinfect all incoming and outgoing vehicles with approved virucidal disinfectants
• Do not share equipment, feed, tools, or machinery
• Regular disinfection of entrances, equipment, and livestock areas
• Install disinfection trenches at farm entrances where possible
• Prohibit entry of livestock traders’ vehicles
• Limit unnecessary travel, especially near high-risk border zones

Additionally, farmers in border regions are urged to move grazing animals away from the Evros frontier and confine them to indoor facilities under strict hygiene conditions. Introducing animals of unknown health status is strictly discouraged.

Officials stress that any suspicious symptoms must be reported immediately to private veterinarians or local veterinary authorities.

The Directorate concludes with an appeal for full cooperation to prevent the disease from spreading into Greece.