Goat Plague Outbreak: Challenges Faced by Greek and Romanian Farmers
A virulent virus affecting sheep and goats continues to impact farms in Greece and Romania, leading both governments to implement restrictions on animal transportation to prevent further spread of the disease.
The virus, known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) or goat plague, was first identified in Greece in July. This highly contagious illness, recognized since 1942 in Ivory Coast, poses a significant threat to livestock, with mortality rates reaching as high as 70% among infected animals.
The initial reports of the outbreak emerged in mid-July from Thessaly, a critical agricultural region in Greece still recovering from severe flooding experienced last September, which caused financial losses estimated at €2.5 billion and severely impacted local livestock.
Approximately 14,000 animals have been culled in response to the outbreak, as reported by Kostas Tsiaras, Greece’s Minister for Rural Development. Thousands more are undergoing tests as confirmed cases increase. In response to the rise in infections, Athens has temporarily prohibited the movement of goats and sheep.
While Tsiaras indicated that the precise origins of the virus in Greece remain unclear, imports from Romania—another country facing PPR outbreaks—have been suspended. Particularly concerning are cases identified in Elassona, a region known for feta cheese production. This cheese is made from the milk of sheep and goats and holds a protected designation of origin (PDO) status.
In a bid to support farmers adversely affected by the outbreak, the Greek government has committed to exploring all possible resources for compensation, including potential funds from the EU’s agricultural reserve, typically totaling at least €450 million annually.
Tsiaras is set to raise the issue at the upcoming EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) meeting in September, advocating for collective actions to safeguard livestock and financial assistance for farmers.
In Romania, 37 active outbreaks have been reported in regions such as Tulcea, Constanta, and Timis, resulting in the death of over 200,000 animals. The Romanian government has enacted measures to restrict the transportation of live sheep and goats, grazing in affected areas, and the concurrent use of pastures by multiple herds.
Romanian veterinary authorities have cautioned against misinformation that dismisses the virus’s existence and jeopardizes efforts to control the ongoing outbreaks.
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John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.