Northern Greece: Sheep and goat pox outbreak devastates livestock in İskeçe
Sheep and goat farmers in İskeçe and other areas of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace are grappling with a severe outbreak of sheep and goat pox, which has led to the culling of entire herds.
More than 100,000 animals have been destroyed across the region, with the municipality of İnhanlı (Topeiros) in İskeçe being the hardest hit. In this municipality alone, almost all livestock has been wiped out, leaving only two operational farms out of 130 across 36 villages.
According to local reports, 38,000 sheep and goats have already been culled in Topeiros due to the disease. Across the wider region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, total livestock losses exceed 160,000 animals, including 28,000 in the Rodopi regional unit.
Local farmers describe the situation as devastating, expressing deep concern for their livelihoods and the economic impact on rural communities dependent on sheep and goat farming. Authorities continue to monitor the outbreak and implement measures to contain the spread of the disease.
