Signs of decline of smallpox in Xanthi
The report highlights a decline in the spread of smallpox affecting livestock in the Xanthi region of Greece. Despite the culling of two additional herds in Mangana and Erasmio on Saturday, local veterinary authorities have observed an extended interval between new cases, suggesting the epidemic is waning.
Key points include:
Impact in Xanthi: Over 15,500 animals have been culled, including 5,000 newborns. The epicenter of the outbreak remains in the municipality of Topiros.
Regional Perspective: Across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (AMTH), approximately 40,000 animals have been lost to the epidemic, mirroring the scale of the 2013 outbreak. Neighboring regions like Evros and Kavala were also heavily affected, with Evros losing 17,000 adult animals.
Contributing Factors: Prolonged drought and low river levels in the Evros region facilitated the cross-border movement of infected animals, while prevailing northeast winds likely aided the disease's transmission.
Current Outlook: Authorities, such as Dimitrios Tsegos from the Xanthi Veterinary Directorate, confirm a stabilization in new cases. However, livestock farmers remain under strict quarantine and must adhere to biosecurity measures to prevent recurrence.
This development, while hopeful, calls for sustained vigilance as the region recovers from significant economic and ecological losses.
