An outbreak of pox disease in sheep mainly in northern Greece has led to the culling of 17,500 animals and a 10-day nationwide ban on livestock movement and transport.
The ban restricts the movement of sheep and goats for breeding, grazing or slaughter.
A few days ago, two confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease have been reported in a livestock unit in Magnesia, central Greece, and in Stymfalia by Corinth in Peloponnese.
The pox outbreak occurred a few months after an outbreak of sheep and goats pest in July.
Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras said that the disease is highly contagious between animals but does not affect human health.
To contain the spread, emergency veterinary protocols have been activated in the affected areas, where inspections are under way.
Currently, 104 outbreaks have been reported, resulting in the culling of 17,500 sheep.
Media reported that cases of the pox outbreak were initially confirmed in areas of northern Greece and blamed illegal imports of livestock from neighboring countries, where health protocols are not observed.
