Alarm in Greece: Kastoria Placed Under Quarantine After Outbreaks of Sheep and Goat Pox, Livestock Movement Suspended

After outbreaks of sheep and goat pox were detected at a farm near Argos Orestikos, Greek authorities placed the city of Kastoria and the surrounding villages under quarantine.

To prevent the disease from spreading, veterinary measures have been introduced and inspections in the area have been significantly intensified.

Throughout the region, the sale and transport of live animals outside the area have been suspended. Grazing is prohibited within the designated zones, while slaughter may take place only at the nearest abattoir and after approval has been granted by the veterinary service. A five-kilometer protection zone and a 20-kilometer surveillance zone have been established around the farm where the disease was identified.

This viral disease, which affects only sheep and goats, is characterized by a high rate of transmission. Symptoms include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, as well as sores or lumps on the skin. In more severe cases, it can damage the lungs and lead to the death of the animals.

Transmission occurs mainly through close contact between animals, but the infection can also spread through vehicles, equipment, clothing or contaminated environments. Because the virus can survive for months in wool and in uncleaned barns, controlling it is particularly difficult.

According to the authorities, sheep and goat pox is not transmitted to humans and is not related to smallpox, which affects people. Meat and dairy products that undergo official inspections are considered safe for consumption.

The situation is not limited to Kastoria. By August 5, 2026, Greece had reported 214 outbreaks of the disease to the European system. Eight more outbreaks were identified during the last week alone, mainly in Western Greece and the Peloponnese.

The current epidemic wave began in August 2024. Data through April 19, 2026, showed that Greek authorities had confirmed a total of 2152 outbreaks at 2660 farms. To stop the virus from spreading, around 487000 sheep and goats had been culled.

Although it poses no threat to public health, the disease has caused serious consequences for Greece’s livestock sector, as well as for the production of milk, meat and feta cheese.