As announced, the Region of Crete is extending immediate, preventive measures to protect livestock from smallpox in goats and sheep, which has increased cases in mainland Greece.

As stated “although Crete remains free of the disease, the high transmissibility of the virus and its ability to survive in the environment for up to 6 months necessitate the strict application of biosecurity measures and movement restrictions. For this reason, the preventive measures for goat and sheep pox on the island are being extended.”

More specifically, the measures in force from 17 to 27 October 2025 are related to the movements of sheep and goats for slaughter and breeding that are limited only within the Regional Unit. The movements of sheep and goats to winter pasture (change of pasture) continue to be allowed both within and outside Regional Units within Crete. The simultaneous transport of animals from different farms is prohibited.

The facility of destination must be cleaned and disinfected prior to the entry of the animals, which must remain in the facility of destination in quarantine for at least 21 days. All movements of sheep and goats must be carried out with health movement certificates, with certified suitable vehicles that have been disinfected before loading. Also, the entry of goats and sheep to the island of Crete from farms in the rest of Greece continues to be prohibited.

In addition, in the context of the need to prevent the entry and transmission of the sheep pox disease in Crete, as it is emphasized “due to the increased cases observed in various regions of the country, our Services point out to you the need to observe preventive strict biosecurity measures in farms, in ungulate slaughterhouses, during the transport of live animals and feed and during handling of milk”.