In response to a severe outbreak of “goat plague”, Greece has enforced a national ban on the commercial slaughter and movement of goats and sheep. This move is an extension of measures already implemented in central Greece, where the outbreak was first detected. The virus, officially known as plague of small ruminants (PPR), is highly infectious and can cause severe disease and death in sheep and goats, with a mortality rate of up to 70%. However, it poses no threat to humans.
The central region of Thessaly has been the most affected, with approximately 7,000 animals slaughtered from herds where the disease has been identified. An additional 1,200 animals are expected to be slaughtered later this week, according to regional governor Dimitris Kouretas. The Ministry of Agriculture has stated that the tightening of security measures throughout the country is a necessary preventive measure to limit the spread and eradicate the disease.
In accordance with European Union protocols, once a case is detected, the entire herd is slaughtered, the affected farm is disinfected and tests are carried out to detect the disease in animals in nearby areas. PPR was first identified in Côte d'Ivoire in 1942 and has since spread worldwide. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that this results in annual losses of up to $2.1 billion (£1.6 billion) worldwide.
The World Organization for Animal Health describes the virus as having severe morbidity and mortality rates with a high economic impact, particularly in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where goats and sheep are a source of food crucial Greece, home to Europe's largest goat population and known for its feta cheese made from goat's milk, is now struggling with this devastating disease.
English 
Español de Venezuela