Sheeppox outbreak breaks out in Greece, the government takes measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic

Recently, Greece has confirmed 104 cases of sheep pox across the country. In an effort to prevent the spread of the disease, the Greek Ministry of Agriculture has announced a transportation ban on sheep and goats within the country for the next ten days.

On October 22, the Greek Health Ministry released a statement indicating that these measures are precautionary, designed to contain the virus’s spread, and reassured that it does not pose a threat to human health.

The outbreak has already led to the culling of approximately 17,500 sheep in various locations across Greece. In accordance with EU regulations, Greek authorities are currently investigating the initial source of the outbreak and conducting broader testing in areas where cases have been identified.

Sheep pox is a contagious disease caused by the sheep pox virus, characterized by the appearance of typical lesions on the skin and sometimes on mucous membranes. Infected animals experience fever and exhibit a high mortality rate. It’s important to note that sheep pox, which includes both sheep pox and goat pox, is classified as a non-zoonotic disease, meaning it does not spread between animals and humans.