Greece has recorded so far a total of 22 cases of sheep and goat pest (rinderpest, PPR) nationally, despite the ban on their transport, authorities said on Tuesday.
According to data so far, 20 of these cases were identified in Thessaly, 1 in Corinth, and 1 in Attica.
A total of 10,768 animals have been slaughtered and another 2,000 are expected to take place soon.
Agricultural Development and Foods Secretary General Giorgos Stratakos, said “at this point, we are at the phase of scientific investigation. We are waiting for the results from veterinarians working on the specific issue.”
All animal movements are being traced. In Attica and Corinth specifically, specimen-taking took place by “following specific animal flows and seeing from the initially infected units which animals have come in and which have left.”
The European Union protocol for every confirmed infection in a unit is to follow all animals or have a landfill burial [not burying animals alive!] followed by disinfection of the unit and its quarantine.
Attica on Alert
The competent services of the Attica Region are on alert after the confirmation of the first case of goat plague in a livestock unit in Aspropyrgos on Tuesday.
By decision of the regional governor Nikos Hardalias and following consultation with the ministers of Rural Development and Food and the Interior strict health protocols have been implemented in the region from the first moment, while the veterinary services of the Attica Region conduct continuous and meticulous checks.
Earlier on Tuesday, a broad meeting was held to reassess the situation and upgrade protection measures with the aim of eradicating the disease.
The measures focus on:
– In the immediate detection of any primary cases.
– In the immediate killing, within 24 hours, of the animals that are sick.
– In the direct control with many mobile units taking samples.
State broadcaster ERT reported that a total of 23 animals have been cremated in western Attica.
Authorities reiterate that there is no risk for public health and that milk products and meat can be consumed following a safety procedure like pasteurization in high temperatures and cooking well.