Despite the winter decline in cases of sheep and goat pox, there is absolutely no room for complacency, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the National Scientific Committee for the Management and Control of Sheep and Goat Pox stressed, warning that the next two months leading up to Easter are particularly critical.

According to the aggregated data presented, from August 2024 until 8 March 2026 a total of 2,128 confirmed cases, 2,636 farms, and 484,135 culled sheep and goats have been recorded. At the same time, 103 cases were recorded between 1 January and 8 March 2026, confirming that despite the relative winter slowdown there is still no room for complacency.

The March–April period will determine whether the epizootic outbreak will remain under control until the summer. The Easter period increases operational pressure on transport, slaughtering and inspections, which is why the full implementation of measures is considered absolutely necessary. According to the timeline presented, protection and surveillance measures in the designated zones will remain in force until 30 April 2026, while extended restricted zones will remain in place until 30 June 2026, provided no new cases are detected.

Zero relaxation in transport, slaughtering, disinfection and inspections

Particular emphasis was placed on the action plan for the Easter period. The central message of the ministry is zero relaxation in transport, slaughtering, disinfection and inspections.

In the protection, surveillance and extended restricted zones, there is a total ban on all movements of sheep and goats, while transport for slaughter is permitted only after approval from the competent veterinary authority and following the prescribed saliva sampling procedure.

At the same time:

• the laboratory network is being strengthened with the addition of CERTH,
• fixed disinfection points are being activated on key routes,
• a targeted information campaign is being launched, and
• critical operational expenses of regional authorities in high-risk areas are being covered.

Additional operational measures

During the press conference, recent initiatives already implemented to strengthen operational response were presented. These include:

• the deployment of 97 military veterinarians in 10 regions,
• the possibility of assistance from authorized private veterinarians, whose fees will be covered by the Public Investment Program,
• 49 emergency recruitments to strengthen central services, field operations and laboratories,
• stricter rules on animal transport,
• close cooperation with the Hellenic Police to prevent illegal movements, and
• a new Joint Ministerial Decision allowing faster compensation for the culling of animals and income losses, provided farmers comply with the measures.

Intensified police inspections

Inspections by the Hellenic Police have also intensified between 14 October 2025 and 11 March 2026.

In total:

• 38,244 inspections were carried out
• 76 violations were recorded
• 75 arrests were made.

The checks focus on:

• illegal animal movements
• illegal transport of feed from infected farms
• improper handling of dead animals
• illegal vaccinations
• and other violations.

These actions take place within a permanent operational coordination between the Ministry of Rural Development, regional authorities and the police.

Statements from officials

Spyros Protopsaltis, Secretary General for Rural Development and Food, stated:

“The next two months, until Easter, are absolutely critical for the course of sheep and goat pox in the country. We are strengthening field operations, tightening surveillance, accelerating compensation, expanding the laboratory network and working in full coordination with the Regions and the Hellenic Police. The message is clear: no relaxation, no tolerance for illegality, full compliance with the measures to protect livestock, our farmers and Greek livestock production.”

Professor Charalambos Billinis, President of the National Scientific Committee for the Management and Control of Sheep and Goat Pox, added:

“The epidemiological picture may show a seasonal decline, but this does not allow any complacency. On the contrary, the upcoming period is particularly demanding, as increased movements ahead of Easter raise the risk of spread. Strict biosecurity on farms, immediate reporting of any suspected case and faithful implementation of restrictions are the key conditions to prevent a new outbreak.”

Brigadier Eleftherios Chardalias, Director General of the General Directorate for Security and Policing of the Hellenic Police, stated:

“The Hellenic Police inspections are continuous, targeted and fully coordinated with the Ministry and the local veterinary services. From October until today, tens of thousands of inspections have been carried out, with arrests and recorded violations where necessary. As the Easter period approaches, surveillance will intensify even further. There will be no room for illegal movements, illegal trade or practices that endanger the public effort to contain the disease.”