The spread of sheep and goat pox continues in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with outbreaks reaching 220 and the number of animals slaughtered approaching 40,000 since August 20, when the first case was recorded.

This is the first time in the region that an epizootic has been of such a long duration and extent, which has caused large compensations to livestock farmers, as well as serious financial consequences for the local economy, due to the ban on the slaughter of lambs and the embargo on milk purchases by dairy companies.

Despite the fact that the HYPAAT has not yet adopted the solution of vaccination, this remains one of the options, as mentioned by the head of the Veterinary Services of the AM-Th Region, Nikos Fotiniasspeaking to ERT Komotini.

Mr. Fotinias pointed out that if vaccination is eventually adopted, it will have disastrous consequences for future generations of breeders, as it will lead to the downgrading of milk and meat products to second class, resulting in lower prices and shrinking exports.

The main reason for the inability to limit zoonoses, according to Mr. Fotiniia, is the superficial treatment of the problem by the breeders themselves and their inability to observe the necessary biosecurity measures.