Sheep pox alarm in Western Thrace: New cases reported in İskeçe and Gümülcine
According to a joint statement by Greece’s Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the Committee for the Management and Control of Sheep and Goat Pox, a total of 2,105 cases have been recorded nationwide between August 2024 and February 15, 2026.
During this period, 2,610 livestock holdings were affected, and 479,821 sheep and goats were culled as part of mandatory disease-control measures.
Western Thrace Severely Impacted
In Western Thrace alone, authorities confirmed 590 cases over the same period. As a result, all small ruminants in 722 livestock farms across İskeçe, Gümülcine, and Alexandroupoli (Dedeağaç) were culled.
Breakdown by region:
İskeçe: 243 cases affecting 293 farms
Gümülcine (Rhodope): 180 cases affecting 218 farms
Dedeağaç (Meriç): 167 cases affecting 211 farms
The resurgence has intensified anxiety among breeders, particularly in rural communities where small livestock farming constitutes a major source of income.
New Cases Across the Country
Between February 9 and 15, 2026, 11 new cases were recorded nationwide. The latest infections were reported in:
Karlıili (Aetolia-Acarnania) – 2 cases
Balyabadra (Achaea) – 1 case
Hulumiç (Ilia) – 3 cases
Kavala – 1 case
İskeçe – 2 cases
Rhodope – 1 case
Serres – 1 case
Authorities stated that strict quarantine measures and restrictions on animal movement remain in force to prevent further spread of the highly contagious viral disease.
Ongoing Biosecurity Measures
Veterinary services continue epidemiological investigations, disinfection protocols, and surveillance operations in affected areas. Officials are urging breeders to comply fully with biosecurity guidelines and immediately report suspected symptoms.
Sheep and goat pox is a viral disease affecting small ruminants, often leading to severe economic losses due to mortality, trade restrictions, and mandatory culling.
With hundreds of thousands of animals already destroyed, agricultural stakeholders warn that prolonged outbreaks could have significant economic repercussions for Greece’s livestock sector in 2026.
