New task force under Secretary General for Rural Development to combat sheep and goat pox
The Ministry of Rural Development and Food (ΥΠΑΑΤ) has announced seven urgent measures to protect livestock farming and coordinate eradication actions in response to the outbreak of sheep and goat pox.
As part of these measures, a special Task Force has been established to oversee and coordinate all actions aimed at containing and eliminating the disease.
The Task Force is headed by Secretary General for Rural Development and Food Spiros Protopsaltis and includes senior ministry officials, scientists from the Hellenic Agricultural Organization “Dimitra,” university professors, and representatives of leading agricultural and livestock industry bodies. These include the Hellenic Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (EΘEAΣ), the National Interprofessional Organization for Meat and Livestock (EΔOTOKK), the National Interprofessional Organization for Feta, the Association of Greek Dairy Industry (Σ.E.B.ΓA.Π.), and the Hellenic Livestock Association (ΣEK).
The group held its first meeting today, setting initial operational actions and recording the situation in affected areas. Its role is to provide recommendations to the Minister of Rural Development and Food, coordinate eradication efforts, and strengthen scientific cooperation between agencies, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
The formation of the Task Force is part of a broader package of seven immediate measures, which include:
- A total ban on the movement of sheep and goats within designated protection and surveillance zones
- Systematic disinfection of rural roads
- Strict enforcement of inspection and health protocols
- Close coordination with regional authorities and local veterinary services
The Task Force will operate under the supervision of Minister Kostas Tsiaras and will remain active until the epizootic crisis is fully resolved.
