Greek Dairy Sector Faces Crisis as 'Goat Plague' Threatens Feta Cheese Production
Source: The DairyNews
The recent outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), commonly known as 'goat plague,' first detected on July 11 in Thessaly, central Greece, has quickly escalated into a significant threat to the nation's dairy industry.
This highly contagious viral disease has spread to several farms, impacting neighboring Romania and leading to the culling of nearly 58,000 sheep and goats as a preventative measure.
Impact on Greece's Economy
Feta cheese, integral to Greek culture and economy, is under direct threat fr om this outbreak. Thessaly, the region hardest hit by both the disease and last year's severe floods, contributes approximately 40% of the sheep and goat milk used in Greece's feta cheese production. With around 140,000 tonnes of feta produced annually, of which 65% is exported, the repercussions of this outbreak could resonate across the global dairy market.
Disease Characteristics and Response
PPR is not transmissible to humans, allowing for the safe consumption of meat and milk from infected animals. However, the economic impact is profound, necessitating widespread culling to halt its spread. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) describes PPR as a disease with severe morbidity and mortality rates, known to cause substantial economic losses, especially in regions wh ere livestock are a primary food source.
European Union's Involvement
In response to the crisis, the European Commission has been actively coordinating with Greek and Romanian authorities. Urgent measures adopted in late July include restrictions on the movement of animals and commodities to safeguard ongoing trade while upholding EU sanitary standards. The EU food safety authority (EFSA) has also expressed readiness to provide scientific support for managing the outbreak.
Recommended Containment Measures
According to EFSA's 2021 recommendations under the Animal Health Law, effective containment strategies include:
Immediate quarantine of affected herds.
Restrictive movement controls within and between farms.
Establishment of surveillance zones around infected areas.
Humane culling and safe disposal of carcasses.
Mass vaccination to establish herd immunity.
Rigorous biosecurity protocols on farms, including the disinfection of equipment and strict hygiene practices for farm workers.
These measures are essential to control and potentially eradicate the disease, thereby protecting both the health of the animals and the livelihoods of those dependent on small ruminants.
Impact on Greece's Economy
Feta cheese, integral to Greek culture and economy, is under direct threat fr om this outbreak. Thessaly, the region hardest hit by both the disease and last year's severe floods, contributes approximately 40% of the sheep and goat milk used in Greece's feta cheese production. With around 140,000 tonnes of feta produced annually, of which 65% is exported, the repercussions of this outbreak could resonate across the global dairy market.
Disease Characteristics and Response
PPR is not transmissible to humans, allowing for the safe consumption of meat and milk from infected animals. However, the economic impact is profound, necessitating widespread culling to halt its spread. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) describes PPR as a disease with severe morbidity and mortality rates, known to cause substantial economic losses, especially in regions wh ere livestock are a primary food source.
European Union's Involvement
In response to the crisis, the European Commission has been actively coordinating with Greek and Romanian authorities. Urgent measures adopted in late July include restrictions on the movement of animals and commodities to safeguard ongoing trade while upholding EU sanitary standards. The EU food safety authority (EFSA) has also expressed readiness to provide scientific support for managing the outbreak.
Recommended Containment Measures
According to EFSA's 2021 recommendations under the Animal Health Law, effective containment strategies include:
Immediate quarantine of affected herds.
Restrictive movement controls within and between farms.
Establishment of surveillance zones around infected areas.
Humane culling and safe disposal of carcasses.
Mass vaccination to establish herd immunity.
Rigorous biosecurity protocols on farms, including the disinfection of equipment and strict hygiene practices for farm workers.
These measures are essential to control and potentially eradicate the disease, thereby protecting both the health of the animals and the livelihoods of those dependent on small ruminants.
