Tag: northeastern Greece

fire

Greece Battled 9,500 Forest Fires in Hottest Year on Record, Minister Says

Greece faced 9,500 wildfires in 2023, its hottest and driest year on record, burning nearly 44,500 hectares of land. While the number of fires rose by 7.5% compared to the last 20 years, swift action from authorities reduced the affected area by 14%. Minister Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the growing challenge of fires occurring outside the traditional fire season, with climate change driving more extreme weather patterns in the country.

sheep

Greece Reports Outbreak of BTV3 Bluetongue Virus in Sheep and Goats

Greece has reported 10 outbreaks of the BTV3 bluetongue virus in sheep and goats in the northeastern region, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The disease, which can be deadly for domestic ruminants, has affected 137 animals, resulting in the deaths of 15. Authorities are working to manage the outbreak as vaccination campaigns are underway in other affected European countries.