Sheep and Goat Movement Ban Looms Amid Greek Sheeppox Outbreak
Farmers in Greece face potential restrictions on moving sheep and goats due to a sheeppox outbreak. The disease has led to livestock culling and threatens economic impacts on meat and feta cheese prices. Enhanced health measures and inspections are being implemented to prevent a nationwide movement ban.
Greek farmers are confronted with a looming nationwide ban on the movement of goats and sheep unless health checks and hygiene measures against sheeppox are intensified, the government announced this Tuesday.
The sheeppox outbreak has already resulted in the culling of approximately 2% of Greece's sheep and goat population. While it poses no direct threat to humans, the economic repercussions could be severe, affecting the prices of sheep and goat meat and the export of feta cheese.
Data from the agriculture ministry reveals that over 260,000 livestock were culled, and more than 1,100 farms had to close due to the contagious disease. A 10-day action plan has been initiated, urging stockbreeders and veterinarians to tighten biosecurity measures and inspections to prevent further spread.
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