Greece Imposes Nationwide Ban on Livestock Movement Amid ‘Goat Plague’ Outbreak
Source: DairyNews.today
In response to a deadly outbreak of ‘goat plague,’ also known as peste des petits ruminants (PPR), Greece has implemented a nationwide ban on the movement of goats and sheep. The decision, announced by Agriculture Minister Costas Tsiaras, aims to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus, which poses a severe threat to the country's livestock industry.
The ban affects all commercial slaughtering and the movement of goats and sheep for reproductive purposes. These restrictions build on earlier measures already enforced in central Greece, where the outbreak was first identified.
PPR, which can kill up to 70% of infected animals, does not affect humans but has devastating consequences for livestock. The outbreak has already led to the culling of around 7,000 animals in the Thessaly region, with another 1,200 scheduled for culling, according to regional governor Dimitris Kouretas. Thessaly has been the hardest-hit area, and efforts are now focused on preventing the virus fr om spreading to other regions.
The Greek Ministry of Agriculture has emphasized that tightening these security measures is crucial for halting the virus. European Union protocols mandate the culling of entire flocks when PPR is detected, followed by farm disinfection and testing of surrounding livestock.
The global impact of PPR is significant, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations estimating annual losses of up to £1.6 billion. The World Organisation for Animal Health highlights the virus’s severe morbidity and mortality rates, which have led to substantial economic losses in affected regions across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, wh ere goats and sheep are crucial food sources.
As Greece holds the largest population of goats in Europe, the outbreak threatens the country’s agricultural economy, particularly the production of feta cheese, a hallmark of Greek exports. The government’s swift actions aim to protect the livestock industry and mitigate the devastating economic impact of the outbreak.
PPR, which can kill up to 70% of infected animals, does not affect humans but has devastating consequences for livestock. The outbreak has already led to the culling of around 7,000 animals in the Thessaly region, with another 1,200 scheduled for culling, according to regional governor Dimitris Kouretas. Thessaly has been the hardest-hit area, and efforts are now focused on preventing the virus fr om spreading to other regions.
The Greek Ministry of Agriculture has emphasized that tightening these security measures is crucial for halting the virus. European Union protocols mandate the culling of entire flocks when PPR is detected, followed by farm disinfection and testing of surrounding livestock.
The global impact of PPR is significant, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations estimating annual losses of up to £1.6 billion. The World Organisation for Animal Health highlights the virus’s severe morbidity and mortality rates, which have led to substantial economic losses in affected regions across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, wh ere goats and sheep are crucial food sources.
As Greece holds the largest population of goats in Europe, the outbreak threatens the country’s agricultural economy, particularly the production of feta cheese, a hallmark of Greek exports. The government’s swift actions aim to protect the livestock industry and mitigate the devastating economic impact of the outbreak.
23.09.2024
Carbon emissions in global milk production - the elephant in the room
I have been thinking to make this post yes/ no. I decided for yes and like to ask everyone to not "shoot the messenger". The chart shows an analysis of IFCN Dairy Research Network from the 2024 supporter conference in Poland.
