Australia Implements Temporary Ban on Dairy Imports from Greece Due to Disease Outbreak

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has issued a notice on February 15, 2026, concerning the import of dairy products from Greece due to a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. This decision follows Greece's notification to the World Organisation of Animal Health regarding the outbreak on March 17, 2026. Consequently, Greece has been removed from Australia's FMD-free country list.

As a result, imports of dairy products, including cheese sourced, manufactured, or exported from Greece, face restrictions. Personal dairy and meat items imported as passenger effects or by mail are also affected. However, certain products like solid chocolate and ripened cheese with a permit can still be imported under specific conditions.

On Lesvos, affected livestock products have been placed under a 'total lockdown' by the Greek authorities. The island produces between 60 to 70 tons of milk per day, which is either processed into cheese or exported for further processing. With Easter approaching, over 70,000 lambs and kids remain unsold due to the restrictions.

A protection zone with a radius of three kilometers and a surveillance zone of ten kilometers have been established on Lesvos. These zones will remain effective until May 15, 2026. Regulations stipulate that raw milk and dairy products must not be moved outside Lesvos, and only heat-treated dairy products are allowed for local consumption.

Any goods in transit to Australia will be assessed individually, and those manufactured before February 15, 2026, may be released if suitable evidence is provided. Products manufactured after this date may be subject to re-export or destruction if they do not meet the new import conditions.