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Sheep and goat plague: A new threat to Greece’s feta production

Tessa Wiles, Content Editor - Food 27 Aug 2024

A recent goat and sheep plague outbreak threatens feta production in Greece. The flagship product accounts for roughly 10% of the country’s food exports, but Greek authorities say there is no cause for concern.

The outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) – also known as sheep and goat plague – was first detected in the central Thessaly region in Greece on July 11, 2024, according to the Greek Agriculture Ministry.

Sheep and goat plague: A new threat to Greece’s feta production — ^{© iStock/herraez}

It has been alleged that infected animals were imported from Romania to the Thessaly region. “This is the first time it has appeared in Greece and we now believe it was imported from Romania in herds destined for slaughter,” said Dimitris Moskos, vice president of the Association of Greek Livestock (SEK), as reported by the Guardian.

PPR is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild small ruminants, including sheep and goats. The infection, which includes fever, nasal discharge, mouth lesions, and diarrhea, is spread through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. The mortality rates of affected herds are up to 70%. While the disease does not spread from animals to humans, meaning meat and milk from infected animals are safe to consume, it does impact livestock production. Controlling the spread means many animals need to be culled.

‘Too early’ to predict the impact on the market

During a press conference held on August 1, 2024, the Greek minister of agriculture Kostas Tsiaras addressed numerous questions from journalists regarding the ongoing outbreak of PPR and its impacts.

The virus was reportedly imported from Romania last month and threatens to spread through neighbouring regions.

When questioned about the outbreak's origins, Tsiaras stated that "there is no real evidence" yet to confirm how the disease spread or if it came from Romania. He explained that proving the source requires matching the genotype of the virus in Greek animals with those in Romania. He noted the virus's incubation period of up to 22 days complicates tracing, as animals might have moved before showing symptoms

Tsiaras acknowledged that the outbreak could affect milk and meat prices. He explained that safety measures to eradicate the disease will only be effective 30 days after the last case is found, and it is too early to predict the market impact. Tsiaras added that he is coordinating with officials to enhance controls and minimise market repercussions

More than 10,000 sheep and goats culled to control the spread of the disease

A major concern surrounds the supply of feta, given the potential spread of PPR. Feta, traditionally made from sheep's milk, or a mix of sheep and goat milk, accounts for roughly 10% of Greece’s food exports. Each year the country produces around 140,000 tonnes of Feta, exporting about 65% of it. In addition, it is estimated that annually this provides jobs for around 300,000 people.

On the topic of feta exports, Tsiaras indicated that if losses remain low, exports should not be severely impacted. He mentioned that other countries have dealt with similar issues, suggesting that Greece's measures should protect its export levels.

The Greek government has reported culling over 10,000 sheep and goats to control the spread of the disease, as well as implementing strict measures across the country, including quarantining livestock farms.

Christos Tsopanos, the acting president at SEK, speaking to POLITICO, said:“Τhere are no shortages at the moment in the market. [...] Greece has 140 million goats and sheep, it’s a leader in the EU and the fact that some tens of thousands have been culled is not changing things rapidly.”

€150 per animal provided to farmers

During the press conference, Tsiaras was asked how much farmers who have lost their herds will be compensated, with the interviewer adding that the “planned 150 euros per animal, farmers say, is not enough.”

Tsiaras responded by noting that “it goes without saying that we will support the livestock world”, but emphasised the need to first record livestock losses and ensure the disease is eradicated.

The article by agro24, covering the press conference has been translated from Greek to English using Google Translate