Sheep Pox and Goat Pox: A Critical Threat to Greek Livestock Farming
Sheep pox and goat pox are among the most dangerous viral diseases affecting livestock, with severe consequences for the health of the animals and the economic stability of the farmers raising them. Caused by the sheeppox virus (SPPV) and goatpox virus (GTPV), these diseases are highly contagious, causing significant disruptions to production, export markets, and farmers' livelihoods. In the second half of 2024, Greece, particularly the East Macedonia and Thrace region, has seen a resurgence of these diseases, sparking urgent concerns across the agricultural community.
Greece’s sheep and goat pox outbreaks as reported till 23/10/2024 - Source: Wahis
What Are Sheep Pox and Goat Pox?
Sheep pox and goat pox are contagious viral diseases that primarily affect sheep and goats, caused by the Capripoxvirus. Both diseases are characterized by symptoms such as high fever, skin lesions (typically appearing on the face, ears, udder, and other exposed areas), respiratory distress, and swollen lymph nodes. These diseases can cause severe illness, leading to emaciation, reduced milk and wool production, and, in many cases, death—particularly among young or already weakened animals.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, or exposure to infected secretions, including nasal discharge and scabs. The virus can also be spread via insect vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, increasing the risk of widespread outbreaks. Once established, the virus can survive in scabs for extended periods, making it highly resilient in contaminated environments.
Outbreaks can have a devastating impact on livestock operations, leading to significant economic losses due to high mortality rates, decreased productivity, and trade restrictions. These diseases are considered notifiable, meaning authorities must be alerted immediately when an outbreak is suspected. Rapid response is essential, involving quarantine measures, culling of infected and exposed animals, and strict disinfection protocols to prevent further spread.
Recent outbreaks in Greece have underscored the severity of these diseases, with hundreds of animals affected, high mortality rates, and entire herds at risk of being wiped out. The outbreaks have also highlighted the need for strong biosecurity measures and effective vaccination programs. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent sheep and goat pox, significantly reducing the risk of transmission and helping protect livestock populations.
These diseases are particularly concerning for farmers and authorities due to their ability to rapidly spread. Early detection and swift intervention are critical for controlling outbreaks and minimizing economic damage.
How Sheep Pox and Goat Pox affect livestock farmers globally
Sheep pox and goat pox are significant problems in many parts of the world, especially in regions where livestock farming is critical to the economy and food security. These diseases are endemic in several areas and pose ongoing threats to animal health and agricultural productivity.
Regions Affected by Sheep Pox and Goat Pox:
- Africa: Sheep pox and goat pox are widespread across many African countries, especially in North and Sub-Saharan Africa. Nations like Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia frequently face outbreaks, as the high density of livestock farming and the movement of animals contribute to the rapid spread of these diseases. Poor veterinary infrastructure and limited access to vaccines further exacerbate the problem.
- Middle East: Countries in the Middle East, including Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, experience regular outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox. These diseases are often associated with livestock trade routes, where cross-border movement of animals facilitates transmission. In some cases, entire herds have been decimated by the virus, impacting both small-scale and commercial farmers.
- Asia: Sheep pox and goat pox are also endemic in South Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. In India, where sheep and goats are crucial to rural livelihoods, outbreaks can cause devastating losses. Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and surrounding countries, also faces ongoing challenges with these diseases.
- Europe: Although Europe has implemented strong biosecurity measures, there have been outbreaks in countries like Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. Recent outbreaks in Greece, for example, have led to the culling of infected herds, significant economic losses, and concerns over the spread of the virus to other parts of Europe. The proximity of these countries to endemic regions in the Middle East and Africa increases the risk of introduction through trade and migration of animals.
- Parts of Eastern Europe and Russia: Some regions in Eastern Europe and Russia have also faced sporadic outbreaks. Efforts to contain the disease focus on border controls and quarantine measures.
Economic Devastation for Greek Farmers
The financial impact of these diseases on Greek livestock farmers cannot be overstated. The loss of valuable livestock, particularly animals of high genetic and economic worth, has negative consequences throughout the agricultural value chain. Farmers face immediate financial strain from the cost of feed and medical care to meat and milk production. Furthermore, Greece’s ability to export lambs and feta PDO ((Protected Designation of Origin) cheese to crucial markets is at risk. This disruption threatens the short-term profitability of farms and the industry's long-term sustainability.
The crisis could also leave a lasting scar on the reputation of Greek livestock farming. The inability to meet export demands due to disease outbreaks could cause Greek farmers to lose critical trading partners, making recovery even more challenging.
Containment and Control: The Fight Against the Spread
To address this growing threat, authorities have implemented several control measures to contain and eradicate the disease. These include:
- Movement Restrictions: Limiting the movement of livestock within and out of affected zones to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Disinfestation and Disinfection: Regular cleansing of farms and surrounding areas to eliminate the virus.
- Surveillance and Zoning: Active monitoring within restricted zones and establishing quarantine areas for affected animals.
Laboratory tests, such as real-time PCR, confirm cases, allowing for rapid response. However, in some cases, drastic measures, like the stamping-out (culling) of entire herds, are necessary to contain outbreaks. While effective in stopping the spread, this process imposes a heavy financial burden on farmers, who lose not only their livestock but also future earnings potential.
Building a Resilient Future
The ongoing outbreaks of sheep and goat pox in Greece underline the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable response strategy. The focus must be on immediate containment and long-term resilience for the livestock sector. As Greece's agricultural experts have highlighted, biosecurity protocols need strengthening, vaccination programs should be expanded where possible, and farmers must be supported financially through compensation schemes to recover from the devastating losses.
At the same time, the industry must work toward ensuring its export markets are protected from the damaging reputational effects of disease outbreaks. This will require clear communication, transparency in handling outbreaks, and proactive efforts to restore confidence among international buyers.
Conclusion
Sheep and goat pox are among the most pressing challenges in Greek livestock farming in recent memory. As outbreaks continue to affect large swaths of the country's sheep and goat populations, immediate action is required to prevent further devastation. Through solid biosecurity measures, coordinated efforts between farmers and authorities, and a strategic approach to recovery, Greece can navigate this crisis and safeguard the future of the country's livestock industry.
Further reading
How the French Livestock Model Can Inspire Greek Farming
Low Self-Sufficiency and the Urgent Need to Transform Greece’s Beef Fattening Model
Key Challenges and Insights in Greek Livestock Farming: Expert Answers to Pressing Questions
