In an interview with Action 24, Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras stated that the 10-day ban on the movement of sheep and goats is aimed at preventing further spread of the disease. He clarified that there is no public health risk, as the disease only affects sheep, and emphasized that the main goal is to preserve the country’s livestock.

He also mentioned that after the 10-day period, in regions that are clear, the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food intends to lift the measures, based on epidemiological data and in cooperation with veterinary services and regional authorities.

Regarding potential supply chain issues, Kostas Tsiaras assured that there will be no shortages in the market. “At this time, there is no such issue, and the measures we are taking are exactly for that reason — to avoid shortages, prevent price increases, and save our livestock.

This is why we are implementing measures that may seem strict at first, but they have proven to be effective,” he noted.

The Minister explained that the measures were necessary because the virus spread from Northern Greece to Southern Greece. “In the last period, from the end of last week until yesterday, we had two cases in very distant areas compared to Evros, where the initial outbreaks occurred—one in Corinth and one in Magnesia. This raises the overall risk of the disease spreading,” he said.

He added that they are investigating how the pox was transmitted, explaining that it could be spread by migratory birds or by individuals who transported animals or feed before the movement ban was in place, as the incubation period is similar to other diseases but the virus’s resilience is much greater.

Finally, he reiterated that there is no public health issue: “These particular animal diseases have no impact on public health. So, to be clear, the only risk is to our livestock, meaning this is an issue that affects the national economy and, of course, the economic reality of our farmers.”