Red alert for Greek Livestock farming

An alarm has been raised at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food due to the increasing cases of sheep pox in various parts of the country.
In the coming hours, the relevant minister, Kostas Tsiaras, will hold a broad meeting with the participation of the Meat Interprofessional Organization, slaughterhouses, and all the country's regions.
According to exclusive information from Agrocapital, the goal is to decide the next steps to address the situation.
Greek livestock farming is facing a serious crisis with the spread of animal pox, causing incalculable damage to both farmers and consumers. Magnesia, which was recently affected by plague, is now facing sheep pox, a highly contagious disease that seems not to be adequately contained.

Critical Impact on Producers and Consumers
The economic disaster for livestock farmers is enormous, as the loss of production further burdens an already difficult situation. At the same time, consumers will see significant price increases in meat and dairy products, as the shortage of animals reduces the supply of raw materials, leading to higher prices in derivative products such as feta cheese.

Alarming Spread and Suspicions of Illegal Transportation

What makes the situation even more dangerous is the inability to contain the spread of sheep pox. Initially identified in areas like Alexandroupolis and Serres, it has now spread to many other regions, such as Corinth and Messinia, bypassing several regions. This spread raises concerns about illegal transportation of animals or feed from surveillance zones, exacerbating the crisis.

Livestock farmers are in despair, and the sector is hanging by a thread. Immediate and effective measures are imperative, both to limit the disease and to financially support producers. So far, the reactions and actions of the authorities do not seem to be sufficient. If the situation is allowed to evolve without decisive actions, the consequences will be even more devastating, burdening both producers and consumers.
This crisis requires collective action and full cooperation between livestock farmers and the responsible authorities to prevent a complete economic collapse of the country's livestock sector.
As known so far, one of the first measures is the closure of slaughterhouses for a period of 10-15 days.
However, market insiders report that this entire situation is expected to drive up already high meat prices even further.