Crete extends biosecurity measures and faces wildfire alerts

The Crete Region has extended preventive biosecurity measures to protect livestock from goat plague until September 3, 2026. Although Crete remains free of the disease, rising cases in mainland Greece have prompted the extension. Restrictions include banning the entry of goats from mainland Greece, limiting reproduction-related animal movements to within the same regional unit, and requiring 21-day quarantines for animals moving to new farms. All transport must use certified, disinfected vehicles and health certificates.

Separately, high wildfire risks have triggered alerts across Greece. Crete is under a level 3 risk category, placing all its regional units on alert. In Chalkidiki, authorities have banned pedestrian and vehicle traffic in forested areas of Kassandra, Sithonia, and Aristotelis on August 22, 2026, due to extreme fire danger. Violators face a 300 euro fine.

In Crete, several incidents involving underage alcohol consumption have been reported in August, leading to arrests of guardians and shop owners in various locations including Rethymno and Chania.