Greece manages livestock plague in Castoria and West Nile virus outbreak

Greece is facing dual biological challenges involving livestock disease and a viral outbreak. In the Castoria region, the outbreak of sheep and goat plague has resulted in the death of 1,200 animals across two farming units. In response, authorities have imposed a strict quarantine on nearly the entire Castoria Regional Unit. Current restrictions include a ban on the movement of live animals and non-edible products, a prohibition on the sale of sheep and goats, and strict bans on grazing in protected and monitored zones.

Separately, the Greek Infectious Diseases Society has expressed serious concern regarding the West Nile virus. As of August 12, the country has recorded 110 domestic cases and 9 deaths. The Society is calling for an intensification of mosquito control measures and better coordination between the state, regions, and municipalities. They emphasize that spraying alone is insufficient and advocate for a comprehensive management strategy, including larval control, environmental management, and enhanced entomological surveillance to limit further spread.