Sheep and goat pox cases persist in Rodopi
The latest case, identified in recent days, is the eighth outbreak recorded in Rodopi over the past month and a half. During this period, authorities have ordered the culling of around 1,500 animals.
Rodopi remains regional hotspot
Rodopi continues to face persistent transmission of the virus, while the regional units of İskeçe (Xanthi), Kavala and Drama have remained free of new cases for the past four months.
Meriç (Evros) has also reported no new outbreaks since December 2025.
According to the head of the Veterinary Services of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Nikos Foteinias, some livestock farmers in Rodopi are not following required biosecurity measures, contributing to the continued spread of the disease.
Speaking to ERT Gümülcine (Komotini), Foteinias said authorities plan to intensify inspections to identify livestock owners who fail to comply with prevention measures.
Nearly 50,000 animals culled in Rodopi
Since the first sheep and goat pox outbreak in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace was detected on August 18, 2024, in Meriç (Evros), Rodopi has recorded 194 outbreaks and the culling of 49,051 animals.
Across the entire region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the total number of outbreaks has reached 887, while approximately 164,300 animals have been culled.
Authorities continue to urge livestock farmers to follow strict biosecurity rules, including movement controls and hygiene measures, to prevent further spread of the disease.
Source:ERT
