So far, approximately 2,500 animals have been culled on affected farms in the Larissa and Trikala regions. Epidemiological investigations are being carried out to determine how the disease began. It is said not to pose a threat to human health. Authorities have placed the animals in quarantine and imposed a provisional slaughter ban.
In response to the outbreak, the Greek government, together with veterinary services from the European Union, has developed an extensive action plan, including deploying additional veterinarians to bring the situation under control. The government has enlisted both private and military veterinarians for this purpose. In central Greece, tests have already been conducted on more than 16,500 goats and sheep.
The EU has pledged to provide both financial and technical support to combat the disease quickly and effectively. Strict quarantine measures are being applied, and infected areas are being closely monitored. Livestock farmers are concerned not only about the loss of their animals but also about the economic consequences this entails. Slaughtering sick animals and the measures to contain the disease are causing significant financial losses.
Shocking reports have also emerged about how some sick goats were treated. In the Fthiotis region, partially stunned goats were buried alive, prompting protests from animal rights organizations. Local authorities have strongly condemned these actions and emphasized that such practices are unacceptable.
The Greek Minister of Agriculture has announced that an investigation will be launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Strict measures will be taken to prevent such situations from recurring, and better training and awareness will be ensured among livestock farmers regarding humane methods for handling sick animals.
Despite the authorities’ efforts, the situation in rural Greece remains worrying. Rinderpest can spread rapidly if not adequately addressed. The coming weeks are crucial to determine whether the measures taken are effective in containing the disease.