A Curious Case Of “Goat Plague” Results In Restrictions All Over Greece

Greece government sets transportation restrictions all over the country to manage highly contagious “goat plague” infection cases. The state has banned the transportation of sheep and goats across the country.

New cases of infection were identified in the central Larissa region and in Corinth in the south. The virus, also known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), has a mortality rate of 80% to 100% in infected animals but does not harm humans.

Greek agriculture ministry bans transportation to curb further infections

In a statement on Monday, the Greek agriculture ministry said the ban had been introduced “with the aim of limiting the spread and eradication of the disease.” “The movement of sheep and goats for breeding, fattening and slaughter is banned throughout Greece,” the agriculture ministry added.

Livestock farmers, cheesemakers, slaughterhouse owners, and feed suppliers have been notified of the new restrictions. Ministry officials conducted urgent meetings with local authorities over the weekend. 

The meetings were held in the regions where new cases of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) were found. These discussions aimed to address the situation and implement necessary measures to control the spread of the virus.

Ministry does not rule out “suspicious” imports from abroad

The ministry reported that an investigation is ongoing to determine the outbreak’s source, including the possibility of “suspicious imports” from abroad. Greece is also working with the EU and the veterinary authorities of other member states. 

According to EU regulations, the entire flock must be culled when PPR is confirmed, and the affected farm must be disinfected. Since the disease was first detected in Greece on July 11, at least 7,000 animals have been culled. 

Greece, which has the highest goat population in Europe, produces feta cheese from goat and sheep milk. PPR, first detected in Ivory Coast in 1942, has since spread globally.