As Greece approaches its peak export season for lambs to Italy, Germany, and Spain, a ban on the slaughter of small livestock due to an outbreak of sheep and goat pox has raised significant concerns among farmers.
Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras announced that the ban will be reviewed in 10 days, but producers are worried about potential losses reminiscent of those suffered during the recent sheep and goat plague.
The number of sheep slaughtered in 2024 has sharply declined compared to 2023, highlighting a serious crisis in the Greek sheep farming sector.
While market officials claim that supply and prices will remain stable, new regulations have introduced stringent protocols for transporting and processing milk in affected areas.
Confirmed outbreaks in several regions have led to the culling of over 17,500 sheep. Farmers stress the urgent need to resume lamb slaughter to satisfy European demand, warning that extended restrictions could threaten Greece's expanding export market for young lambs.