Two sheep and goat pox cases recorded in Meriç in December, 18 in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
The fight against sheep and goat pox continues across Greece, with the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (YPΑAT) presenting updated data today and stressing the need for strict compliance with preventive measures, especially during the holiday period.
According to the epidemiological report, two (2) cases were recorded in Meriç between December 1 and 11, 2025, specifically on December 3 and 4. In total, 18 new cases were confirmed in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT), covering the regional units of Meriç, Rhodope, İskeçe, and Kavala (excluding Thasos). No cases were recorded in the regional unit of Drama. Nationwide, 77 cases were recorded during the first ten days of December alone.
Overall, between August 2024 and December 11, 2025, a total of 1,911 cases have been confirmed nationwide across 2,365 livestock farms, leading to the culling of 441,273 sheep and goats.
In Meriç specifically, 166 cases have been recorded in 210 farms during the same period.
The data were presented during a press briefing coordinated by the Secretary General for Rural Development, Spyros Protopsaltis, and the President of the National Scientific Committee for the Management and Control of Sheep and Goat Pox, Professor Charalambos Billinis. Officials emphasized that there is no room for easing measures, particularly during the festive season when animal movements increase.
Key Measures to Be Strictly Observed
Animal Movements: Transport is permitted for slaughter purposes only with authorization from the competent veterinary authority. In restricted zones, movement is allowed solely for immediate slaughter at the nearest slaughterhouse, following a negative PCR saliva test.
Transport Biosecurity: Strict cleaning and disinfection of vehicles before and after transport is mandatory, along with the required certifications.
Feed Transport: Allowed only under strict biosecurity conditions, with feed originating from facilities without sheep or goats and without stops or unloading until the final destination.
As part of intensified inspections, 10,330 checks have been carried out since August 2024, resulting in 41 violations and 36 arrests.
At the same time, authorities presented a livestock support framework totaling €187 million, covering compensation for culled animals, feed-related costs, and measures to offset lost income.
Secretary General Spyros Protopsaltis warned that “every illegal movement puts an entire region at risk,” while Professor Charalambos Billinis stressed that “biosecurity is not a recommendation, it is a prerequisite” for containing the disease.
Source: ertnews.gr
