Full Breakdown
Outbreak of Sheep and Goat Pox Threatens Greek Feta Cheese Production
12/1/2025, 10:02:14 PM
Overview of the Outbreak
Greece is currently facing a significant outbreak of sheep and goat pox, a viral infection that has led to the culling of approximately 417,000 sheep and goats, representing about 4-5% of the country's total livestock. The first cases were detected in northern Greece in August 2024, and by mid-November, a total of 1,702 incidents had been recorded, according to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. This outbreak poses a serious threat to the production and export of feta cheese, a staple of Greek agriculture.
Economic Impact on Farmers
The culling of livestock has had devastating effects on farmers. For instance, Anastasia Siourtou, a veterinarian and farmer from Karditsa, lost her entire herd of 650 sheep, which she described as a financial and emotional blow. Similarly, Tassos Manakas, who had 873 sheep, expressed his despair over the loss of his animals and the closure of his dairy business. The emotional toll of witnessing the culling process has left many farmers feeling defeated.
Government Response and Criticism
The Greek government has initiated compensation measures, offering between €132 and €220 per sheep based on age. However, many farmers argue that this compensation is insufficient to cover their losses. Critics have pointed out that the National Scientific Committee for the Management and Control of Sheep and Goat Pox was established only in late October 2025, over a year after the first cases were reported. Additionally, there were no lockdown zones implemented in the initial outbreak areas, and the veterinary service has been criticized for being understaffed.
Calls for Vaccination
Farmers are advocating for the mass vaccination of their herds, a method successfully employed in neighboring Bulgaria and Turkey. They argue that such measures are necessary to control the outbreak effectively. However, the Greek government has expressed concerns that mass vaccination could classify Greece as an endemic country for sheep and goat pox, potentially leading to restrictions on the export of sheep and goat's milk, particularly feta cheese. Currently, there is no certified vaccine available for sheep pox, and existing vaccines are deemed ineffective for eradication.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the effectiveness of existing vaccines and the government's handling of the outbreak. While some experts, like Professor Dimitris Gougoulis, acknowledge that older vaccines may not be suitable for eradication, the government maintains that they are following European protocols to manage the situation. Furthermore, reports indicate that some farmers have illegally transported animals into disease-free areas, complicating the response efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I was here the day the sheep were culled. It is very cruel, I felt that I failed to protect them." — Anastasia Siourtou, Farmer
- "If you cut me that day, I wouldn't bleed." — Tassos Manakas, Farmer
- "The limited amount of available milk increases production costs and makes it more difficult to maintain current quantities [of feta] on the market." — Prof. Dimitris Gougoulis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly
- "We implemented the plan to eradicate sheep pox from the very beginning, as provided for in the European protocols." — Spokesman, Ministry of Rural Development and Food
The ongoing outbreak of sheep and goat pox in Greece highlights the delicate balance between agricultural practices, government response, and the economic viability of key products like feta cheese. As farmers continue to face challenges, the situation remains critical for both livestock and the broader agricultural economy.
