Greece has culled over 423,000 sheep and goats due to a smallpox outbreak

From August 2024 to November 23, 2025, 1,754 cases of smallpox in small ruminants were confirmed in nearly 2,200 farms across the country. Just in the past week, 52 new cases were identified.

"As part of the sanitary requirements, 423,125 animals were culled," the agency clarified.

The Greek authorities have launched a large-scale disease control program, which includes:

• strengthening veterinary control on farms;

• coordinating the actions of inspection services;

• supporting affected farms;

• expanding internal bio-control measures.

To cover the farmers' losses, payments amounting to 56 million euros are provided from the state budget. The compensations include payment for the forced slaughter of animals and support for feed procurement.

The following compensation rates have been established:

• 70 euros for adult sheep and goats over six months old (about 80% of the total number of culled animals);

• 35 euros for lambs and kids under six months old, as well as for breeding rams and bucks over six months old.

The measures aim to maintain the sector's resilience, minimize economic damage, and prevent further spread of the infection.