Greek Livestock Association Warns of Out-of-Control Livestock Disease

The Greek Livestock Association (SEK) warns that the spread of sheep and goat pox in southern Greece is evidence of a crisis out of control, following the discovery of an outbreak in a farm in the municipality of Sikyon, Corinthia.

The association points out that despite its explicit obligations under European regulations, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food has not yet established a relevant committee crucial for managing and addressing the urgent situation.

Meanwhile, the animal disease is surging in northern Greece, severely impacting livestock and farmers. Between Oct. 2 and 11, 2024, the National Reference Laboratory for Sheep and Goat Pox confirmed 20 new outbreaks in the regions of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

SEK stresses that the ministry’s behavior is unacceptable as it chooses to ignore the representatives of the country’s entire livestock sector, refusing to consult with them while there is danger of the disease completely destroying Greece’s livestock.

In a letter addressed to the ministry SEK highlights the ministry’s indifference and irresponsibility, pointing out that there are available vaccines in the European vaccine bank, ready to be used however, to this day the necessary steps have not been taken for their immediate procurement and use in surveillance zones.

“The situation is worsening daily, and the ministry remains inactive, disregarding the devastating consequences that threaten not only the livestock sector but also the national economy,” the Greek Livestock Association emphasizes.

SEK demands immediate action to be taken including the formation of a committee that includes livestock farmers, as required by European regulations; the immediate vaccination of animals in surveillance zones, before the disease spreads entirely out of control, and an urgent meeting with the Ministry’s leadership to implement necessary protection measures.