Foot and mouth disease confirmed in Greece

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed the presence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Lesvos, Greece, affecting both cattle and sheep at a mixed farm. This outbreak marks the first confirmed case of FMD in Greece in over a decade, raising concerns among agricultural communities and prompting swift action from Greek authorities and international health organizations.

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. It can also infect swine and wildlife, though it is less common in these species. The disease is notorious for causing severe economic damage, as it can lead to the culling of infected animals and restrictions on the movement of livestock, impacting trade and tourism.

The outbreak was detected on 16 March at a farm in Lesvos, an island in the northeastern Aegean Sea. The farm, which houses a total of 288 animals, consists of 38 cattle and 250 sheep. Out of these, 9 animals have been confirmed to have FMD. The OIE has been closely monitoring the situation and has provided technical support to Greek authorities to implement appropriate control measures.

In response to the outbreak, Greek authorities have initiated a strict containment strategy. This includes the immediate culling of all susceptible animals at the infected farm to prevent the spread of the virus. The decision to cull the entire herd is a precautionary measure aimed at eradicating the disease from the farm and minimizing its impact on the local and national economy.

The Greek Ministry of Agriculture and Food has also implemented a travel ban for livestock from the affected area, restricting the movement of animals to other regions. This measure is intended to limit the potential spread of FMD to other farms and communities. Additionally, health inspections and surveillance have been intensified in nearby farms and livestock markets to identify any potential cases or carriers of the virus.

The confirmation of FMD in Greece has raised concerns among European Union (EU) member states, as the disease is a notifiable disease under EU regulations. The EU has a stringent framework in place to prevent the spread of FMD, which includes strict border controls and inspections for livestock entering the bloc. Greece, being a member of the EU, is required to report any FMD outbreaks and cooperate with the EU to ensure the disease does not spread beyond its borders.

The Greek government has assured the public and the agricultural sector that it is taking all necessary steps to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has also emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and adhering to biosecurity practices in livestock farms across the country.

The presence of FMD in Greece serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural sector in managing and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases. While FMD is not known to infect humans, it poses a significant threat to livestock industries and can have far-reaching economic consequences.

As the Greek authorities work to contain the outbreak, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The OIE and other relevant organizations are providing technical expertise and support to ensure that Greece can effectively manage and mitigate the impact of this FMD outbreak.

In the coming weeks, it will be crucial for Greek authorities to maintain a robust surveillance system and enforce strict biosecurity measures in livestock farms to prevent the introduction or spread of FMD. The successful containment of this outbreak will not only protect local livestock but also safeguard Greece's reputation as a reliable agricultural partner within the EU and beyond.

The detection of FMD in Lesvos underscores the need for continued investment in veterinary surveillance, research, and education to combat the threat of zoonotic diseases. By working together, Greece, the EU, and the international community can ensure that such outbreaks are effectively managed and that the livestock industry remains resilient in the face of these challenges.