With preventive measures sprays at tires and in the lower parts of truckswhich transport feed and other products to Lesvos and in Lake The North Aegean Region, in cooperation with the Aegean branch of GEOTEE, is dealing with the risk of transmission of the sheep pox virus on the islands.

According to Stratis Karageorgiou, manager of the disinfection company that undertook the execution of the spraying project, this specific process eliminates almost all import risks to the islands through this particular road, essentially contributing to the protection of local livestock and the local economy. It should be noted that the primary sector and especially animal husbandry is economic pillars for both Lesbos and Lemnos and thousands of exports amnoeriphion every year but also many tons of cheeses, many of them Designation of Origin (PDO) products.

In his statements, the regional governor of North Aegean Kostas Moutzouris he emphasized that this action, which is carried out with the Region’s own resources, will continue for as long as it is needed. “The sprayings, he noted, are a complementary action to the measures applied at the ports of departure. The aim is to rule out any possibility of the introduction of the virus to the island. The issue is imminent for our islands and requires vigilance.”

Finally, it should be noted that the North Aegean Region recently announced the extension of the preventive measures, which apply to all Regional Units, in order to prevent the entry and spread of the disease on the islands. At the same time, it addresses appeal to breeders to scrupulously observe the health protection rules in their farms, limit the entry of third parties and immediately inform the veterinary services of any suspicious incident.

The measures issued by the North Aegean Region for the prevention and biosecurity in animal husbandryare as follows:

  • Movements of sheep and goats for slaughter and breeding are limited only within a Regional Unit.
  • Movements of sheep and goats to winter pasture (change of pasture) continue to be permitted both within and outside the North Aegean Region.
  • The simultaneous transport of animals from different farms is prohibited.
  • The destination facility should be cleaned and disinfected before the animals enter, which should remain there 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.
  • The ban on the entry of sheep and goats into the North Aegean Region from farms in the rest of Greece continues.