# Livestock disease outbreak in Lesvos

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/livestock-disease-outbreak-in-lesvos
> Updated: 2026-09-07T06:30:23.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the island of Lesvos has resulted in the death of 81,060 animals and 291 positive livestock cases over a five-month period. Local agricultural groups have criticized the Greek government for a lack of a vaccination strategy, noting that the DIVA vaccine was not utilized despite requests from the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Lesvos. This failure has led to the suspension of Greece’s status as a foot-and-mouth disease-free country without vaccination.

While the Greek government legislated 38.1 million euros for nationwide disease control, only 7 million euros reached Lesvos, and reports indicate funds are insufficient and not distributed promptly. Recent developments show a new operational structure where the Ministry of National Defence coordinates public services while the Ministry of Rural Development and Food maintains veterinary responsibility. Additionally, 3 million euros has been allocated to the North Aegean Region to cover epidemic-related costs.

Despite these measures, local producers report severe economic hardship. Leonidas Koutsavlis, president of the Filia–Lesvos Agricultural Cooperative, noted that out of 192 affected individuals, only 100 have received payments for lost income, with some waiting since March. Compensation for destroyed milk supplies also remains outstanding. Farmers have expressed skepticism toward government tax exemptions for low-income producers, arguing they do not address the immediate loss of livestock.

Beyond economic impacts, scientific research suggests the outbreak threatens unique genetic resources. Studies in ‘Genetics Selection Evolution’ and the ‘International Dairy Journal’ highlight that the Lesvos sheep breed possesses one of the richest genetic bases among Greek populations and produces milk with unique lactic acid bacteria properties.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: Lesvos livestock farmers face crisis amid foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

Livestock farmers in Lesvos report significant losses and delayed compensation due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, despite government efforts to coordinate response measures and provide funding.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lesvos-livestock-farmers-face-crisis-amid-foot-and-mouth-disease-outbreak

### 2026-08-29: Lesvos livestock crisis: 81,000 animals killed by foot-and-mouth disease

Foot-and-mouth disease in Lesvos has killed over 81,000 animals, threatening the island's unique sheep breed and its significant genetic and dairy production potential.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lesvos-livestock-crisis-81000-animals-killed-by-foot-and-mouth-disease

### 2026-08-09: Lesvos farmer dies after herd is culled due to swine fever

A livestock farmer in Lesvos has died following the culling of his herd due to African swine fever, highlighting the human impact of the ongoing agricultural crisis on the island.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lesvos-farmer-dies-after-herd-is-culled-due-to-swine-fever

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Cite as: Livestock disease outbreak in Lesvos. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/livestock-disease-outbreak-in-lesvos