Sheeppox Crisis Devastates Greek Agriculture
Central Greece's sheep farmers are devastated by a sheeppox outbreak that has led to massive livestock culling, threatening feta production and potentially increasing food prices. Farmers like Giorgos Tasioulis have lost their entire flocks, impacting the region's agricultural economy heavily.
In central Greece, sheep farmers are facing devastation as an outbreak of sheeppox ravages their flocks. The Greek authorities have warned that a nationwide ban on animal movement might become necessary.
The highly infectious virus is not only driving up food prices but also putting feta cheese production at risk. Farmer Giorgos Tasioulis, standing amidst empty sheep sheds, mourns his losses after investing nearly 2 million euros to modernize his breeding unit, now rendered silent.
Across Thessaly, the agricultural heartland, more than 260,000 sheep and goats have been culled in the past year, crippling some 1,100 farms. Emergency measures by authorities, including disinfection zones and veterinary interventions, have come too late for many, exacerbating the crisis.
Google News