File photo. [AP]
Athens – Nearly 473,000 animals have been culled in Greece as officials maintain that vaccination isn’t a viable solution to the country’s ongoing sheep and goat pox epidemic. The assertion, made Friday by Agriculture Ministry officials, comes as the disease continues to spread and threatens a vital sector of the Greek economy.
A Growing Crisis for Greek Livestock
The outbreak has sparked protests from farmers concerned about their livelihoods and the future of feta cheese production.
- Since August 2024, 2,061 cases have been confirmed across 2,559 farms nationwide.
- Between January 10-18, 16 new cases were detected in central and northern Greece, and the western Peloponnese.
- The policy of culling entire flocks upon detection of a single case is causing significant hardship for breeders.
- Annual feta exports are valued at approximately €1 billion, putting the industry at risk.
The ministry reported a total of 2,061 confirmed cases since august 2024, detected on 2,559 farms throughout the country.The disease isn’t slowing down; 16 new cases surfaced between January 10 and january 18 in central and northern Greece, as well as the western Peloponnese. This relentless spread is causing considerable anxiety among livestock breeders, many of whom advocate for vaccination as a preventative measure.
The current strategy, which mandates the slaughter of entire flocks when even a single animal tests positive, is proving devastating to greek livestock farmers. It’s also raising concerns about the future of greece’s renowned feta cheese industry, a cornerstone of the national economy. The issue has been a central grievance voiced by protesting farmers in recent weeks.
Did you know? Sheep and goat pox is a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, but it does not infect humans. The virus can survive for up to six months on contaminated surfaces.
Pro tip farmers should strictly adhere to biosecurity measures, including disinfecting equipment and limiting contact between flocks, to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Is vaccination an option? According to Deputy agriculture Minister Christos Kellas,there is currently no vaccine against sheep and goat pox approved for use within the European Union.
The government remains firm in its stance, insisting Friday that strict adherence to existing safety protocols is the only way to contain the outbreak. Deputy Agriculture Minister Christos Kellas, addressing Parliament, explained that utilizing vaccines not approved by the EU would jeopardize Greece’s standing as an exporter. He emphasized the economic importance of feta, stating that annual exports are worth around €1 billion.
Fortunately, the highly contagious disease does not pose a threat to human health. Though, the virus responsible for the illness can persist in affected premises for up to six months, presenting an ongoing challenge for eradication effo
