Greece has announced plans to partially lift a nationwide ban on transporting sheep and goats, a month after the detection of a highly contagious goat plague within its borders.
The country’s agriculture ministry stated on Friday that the movement of animals for slaughter will be permitted from Monday onwards in regions unaffected by the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) virus. While the disease poses no threat to humans, it has proven devastating for goat and sheep populations, with mortality rates reaching up to 70%.
Since the initial outbreak in July, authorities have culled thousands of animals across the country, with over twenty farms confirmed to be infected. The majority of affected areas are located in central Greece.
Despite the easing of restrictions, the Greek government continues to monitor the situation closely and implement measures to contain the spread of the disease.