Sheep, Goat plague spreads to the Rhodope Region
The disease, which has already led to the culling of 14,000 small ruminants across Greece, poses a severe threat to livestock. Hacı Mehmet urged herders to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to authorities immediately.
He detailed the measures taken since the disease was first detected in the Kalambaka region of Thessaly on July 11, 2024. The regional government has banned the trade, transport, and slaughter of small ruminants to contain the outbreak.
Hacı Mehmet stressed the importance of early detection and prompt reporting, explaining that veterinarians are collecting blood samples from suspected animals for analysis in Athens. Results from samples taken across the region were confirmed on August 1, 2024, indicating the presence of the plague in Rhodope.
He emphasized that infected herds must not be moved, traded, or slaughtered. The initial ban is in effect until August 4, but it may be extended based on further test results.
