Greece Imposes Nationwide Livestock Ban to Contain Spread of Goat Plague (PPR)

thenationherald.com- (Vassilis Papadopoulos/Eurokinissi, FILE)

Greece has taken drastic measures to prevent the spread of the Goat Plague (Peste des Petits Ruminants, PPR) by imposing a nationwide ban on the movement of livestock. The decision comes after multiple cases of the disease were discovered outside of Thessaly, prompting concerns about the potential for further outbreaks.

The ban, which affects the breeding, fattening, and slaughter of livestock for food, is aimed at preventing the spread of the disease and eradicating it entirely. Authorities are conducting epidemiological investigations to trace the origin of the outbreaks and identify potential routes of suspected imports.

PPR is a highly contagious and deadly disease that can affect livestock, with mortality rates ranging from 30 to 70 percent among infected animals. The virus can spread rapidly, infecting up to 90 percent of a herd, although it does not pose a threat to human health.

In response to the outbreak, the government has called in private and military veterinarians to assist in the containment efforts. Over 16,500 goats and sheep have been tested, with thousands more expected to be examined in the coming days.

To date, more than 8,000 sheep and goats have been culled and buried, with an additional 120,000 animals expected to be tested. The head of the Larissa First Instance Prosecutor's Office has ordered an urgent investigation to determine the origin of the virus-carrying animals, with many believing they came from another country.

The virus causes fever, sores, and lesions, labored breathing, and diarrhea in infected animals. Authorities have put the animals in quarantine and banned slaughtering across Thessaly until July 26.