The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, in coordination with regional governors, has announced a set of emergency measures to combat the outbreak of sheep pox. The decision came after a high-level meeting, where officials agreed on a 10-day action plan aimed at containing the disease.
According to Minister Kostas Tsiaras, the plan includes the establishment of disinfection stations on major roads and key transport routes for livestock, animal feed, and milk. Veterinary checks will be intensified in areas where outbreaks have already been detected. Each process will be accompanied by an official disinfection certificate to ensure traceability and compliance with biosecurity rules.
Additional measures discussed include quarantine for imported animals and providing farms with more disinfectant supplies.
“This is a positive step forward. With the cooperation of all regional governors, we are making a major effort to address a disease that is especially difficult to control,” said Tsiaras.
The regional governor of Thessaly, noted that the same strategy had been successfully applied last year against rinderpest. “We are in a battle, and in this battle we stand united. I am optimistic that in the coming weeks we will manage to bring sheep pox under control,” he said.
The Epirus governor also stressed the importance of vigilance: “Our region has no sheep pox cases today, but we must protect our farmers as they move from the mountains to the plains. The fact that we all agreed on these extraordinary measures is very encouraging.”
The meeting brought together deputy ministers, general secretaries, veterinary experts, and regional officials from across Greece, with several governors also participating via teleconference.
Source: tovima.com
