Slaughter ban imposed in Western Thrace amid ongoing sheep and goat pox outbreak
The Regional Veterinary Directorate announced on Monday, September 29, 2025, that slaughterhouses in the regional units of İskeçe (Xanthi), Rodop (Rhodope), and Kuzey Meriç (northern Evros) are prohibited from processing animals, in an effort to halt the spread of the contagious livestock disease.
The measure is aimed at restricting the movement of livestock, farmers, traders, and transport vehicles, which has been identified as a key risk factor in the transmission of the virus between flocks.
Mass culling of livestock
Despite containment efforts, the outbreak continues to take a heavy toll on the region’s livestock population. As of Monday 29th Sept, authorities report the mass culling of infected and at-risk animals as follows:
52,500 animals in İskeçe (Xanthi)
31,700 in Rodop (Rhodope)
29,800 in Meriç (Evros)
12,500 in Kavala
The numbers reflect the aggressive response to the epizootic outbreak, which shows no signs of abating.
Sheep and goat pox is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants. While it does not pose a risk to human health, it has serious economic consequences for the agricultural sector, particularly in regions with large livestock populations.
Authorities are urging livestock owners to strictly comply with biosecurity measures, while veterinary inspections and culling operations continue in affected areas.
