Greece implements strict measures amid sheep and goat contagion outbreaks

Greece is implementing strict measures to combat outbreaks of sheep and goat contagion (contagious capripoxvirus) in the regions of Thesprotia and Western Achaia.

In Thesprotia, the Regional Unit has designated the area a Forbidden Zone. Livestock farmers are required to follow rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols, as the virus is highly resistant to environmental conditions. Authorities have specified the use of approved disinfectants, such as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and potassium monopersulfate, noting that mechanical cleaning must precede chemical application to ensure effectiveness.

In Western Achaia, the impact of the disease has been severe, with approximately 25,000 animals reported dead and hundreds of livestock units affected. The Regional Union of Municipalities of Western Greece is calling on the state to establish a protection and financial aid framework similar to those used for natural disasters. This intervention seeks to provide economic relief to farmers and ensure that the costs of emergency measures are covered by the state rather than local municipalities.