The competent authorities are taking measures to prevent the spread of pox in sheep and goats, following the confirmed case in a flock in the area of the municipality of Asterousia.

As stated in the decision signed by the deputy head of the veterinary Directorate of the Region of Crete, Sofia Lambrinidis:

“The exit from the boundaries of the Heraklion Regional Unit of live sheep and goats, non-edible products of sheep and goats is prohibited”. In addition, “buying and selling of sheep and goats is prohibited throughout the Heraklion Regional Unit” and “moving sheep and goats from the usual grazing areas and approaching the protection and surveillance zones that have been designated“.

According to the decision, “the slaughter of sheep and goats at the nearest slaughterhouse is allowed when the ban on moving sheep and goats for slaughter ends and after authorisation from the competent veterinary authority“.

It further states: “The implementation of this decision is entrusted to the relevant Veterinary Authorities, assisted in their work by the Police, Port, Municipal, Community Authorities, “In addition, “non-compliance with the terms of this decision shall result in the imposition of the sanctions provided for in Article 20 of Decision No. 1747/386028/18-12-2023 of the Minister of Rural Development and Food “Emergency response plan for combating the diseases listed in Annex I of the P.D. 138/1995 A΄ 88” (Government Gazette 7121/v. B). 4. This decision is valid until its revocation“.

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The deputy head of the Agricultural Economy of the Region of Crete Stavros Tzedakis called on farmers to show responsibility in complying with the measures, speaking of a more resistant than the plague, zoonosis.

“We must protect the livestock of Crete because it is a dynamic economy for our region,” he commented.