Greek livestock breeders are in a state of despair: losses from the epidemic Ospes of sheep and goatslasting 14 months, are estimated in more than 350 million euros. The disease led to the mass case of animals throughout the country and threatened the future of the whole industry.
Chapter Union of Greek Livestock Managers Dmitris Moskhos In an interview with the agency Amn He emphasized that the livestock is reduced to a critical level: “Already more than 300 thousand animals were killed only from smallpox, and along with other diseases, losses become disaster.”
According to him, Greek livestock is in a state of anxiety. Delays with decision -making can lead to irreversible consequences. “We demand actions now, until it is too late”– said Moskhos.
Livestock breeders in despair losses from Ospa of sheep and goats exceeded 350 million pic.twitter.com/osgzsu5wlc
– Athens News (@russianathens) October 5, 2025
In addition to smallpox, farmers are faced with other diseases: in the summer of 2024 from Small gum plague More than 80 thousand animals were killed, and another 30 thousand were lost due to catarrhal feverthat became endemic. “Farmers are forced to make vaccination themselves – no one helps us”– added the head of the SEK.
According to the Union, the real number of animals in Greece is about 6 million goals, while Ministry of Agriculture estimates their number at 7-8 million.
Where new foci are recorded
The most affected regions – Thrace And Fessaliahowever, according to Moskhos, the situation worsens in Western Greeceespecially in Ahaye. New cases have also been identified in Seryres, Katerini, Imvity And Saloniki. The epidemic gradually covers the whole country, despite the efforts of the authorities to localize it.
Livestock breeders in despair: Losses from Ospa of sheep and goats exceeded 350 million euros (video) pic.twitter.com/g1iganrt8l
– Athens News (@russianathens) October 5, 2025
A particularly difficult situation has developed on SamofrakiaWhere on the morning of September 20, another suspicion of infection on the farm with 300 animals was revealed. If the results of the tests confirm the presence of a virus, animals will have to be destroyed – then the total number of losses on the island will reach 3.5 thousand heads. In total, infection was found in 17 farms.
Farmers require the authorities immediate actions, Fearing that while maintaining the current trend, Greece runs the risk of losing a significant part of its livestock potential.
More Stories
Greece faces the toughest budget of the decade: ministries’ spending will plummet to a minimum
Buying up hotels: why Israel is strengthening its position and Greece is losing control
AAΔΕ has published a detailed guide to road tax 2026: what every car owner should know