The Ministry of Rural Development and Food has imposed a comprehensive ban on all livestock products from the island of Lesvos after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease was detected Monday at a cattle farm in the Pelopi region.
The restrictions, effective retroactively to January 15, threaten the eastern Aegean island’s primary economic sector just days before the busy Easter season. More than 70,000 lambs and goats intended for export remain unsold, and milk collection has been suspended across the island’s approximately 9,000 registered livestock units. These units produce an estimated 60 to 70 tons of milk daily, with a market value of about 1.45 euros per kilogram.
Ministry officials announced emergency measures Thursday to contain the highly contagious viral disease. The plan includes activating local control centers to coordinate with regional authorities and provide public updates.
Regulatory zones have been established around the infected farm, including a 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone. A further restricted zone covers the remainder of the island.
The measures are scheduled to remain in effect until May 15. [AMNA]