Greek livestock producers protest sheep disease testing program

Livestock producers in Greece are staging protests in Agrinio and Pyrgos to oppose a new serological testing program designed to monitor sheep contagious plague. Farmers express concerns that the planned blood sampling and inspections could lead to further animal deaths and exacerbate the economic instability of their holdings.

The Ministry of Rural Development and Food's plan involves testing 153 holdings per region across nine mainland provinces, with the goal of detecting antibodies to the virus. The program, which is expected to continue through late 2026, includes clinical examinations and blood sampling of 15 animals per flock. In Thessaly, particularly in Magnesia, the disease has already caused significant impact, with recorded data showing nearly 38,784 sheep deaths and 195 affected farms.

Producers are calling for alternative measures, including mass vaccination programs, enhanced biosecurity, and 100% compensation for affected farmers. The Panhellenic Union of Public Veterinarians has also requested a clear management plan for the results that emerge from these inspections.