Greece has become the latest country to confirm a case of Foot and Mouth Disease as the dreaded disease continues to spread across Europe. This time FMD has been found on a cattle farm on the island of Lesvos, which is the first case in Greece since 2000 and the first on the island since 1994.
Greek authorities confirmed nine cattle were suspected of having the disease, out of a total of 38 cattle and 250 sheep on the farm. The farm is close to the town of Pelopi.
Due to the outbreak, Greece has designated the entire island as a restricted zone. Authorities have banned all animal movements off it.
Authorities have enforced European Union zoning rules to separate unaffected areas from those considered at-risk. Through those measures, officials aim to contain the outbreak quickly and reduce the risk of wider transmission across the livestock sector.
All milk collection on Lesvos has been halted, which will no doubt come as a huge financial concern to the farmers and the economy. About 60 to 70 tonnes of milk are produced on Lesvos daily. Farmers are angry it will all be wasted and their incomes hit hard.
The bad news follows FMD being confirmed on Cyprus, which lies 800 kilometers – about 500 miles – to the southeast of Lesvos. Latest news suggests the Cypriot authorities are continuing to battle FMD there, with 38 farms affected. More than 14,000 sheep and goats have been culled as well as 1,100 cattle.
The United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer has urged all British livestock farmers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD and report any concerns to the authorities. With that advice, the UK has already restricted commercial imports of milk and colostrum as well as the famous Greek feta cheese and yogurt as a safeguard to its agricultural sector. Those imports can only be allowed into the UK if the products have undergone the required heat treatment and are accompanied by a mandatory health certificate.
The UK has currently no cases of FMD. Officials said they will continue to apply proportionate science-based measures to protect animal health while facilitating safe trade.
Dr. Christine Middlemiss, a veterinarian and the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said, “A case of Foot and Mouth disease has been confirmed in Greece, and we are in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.
“Robust plans are already in place to minimize the risk of disease incursion to support Britain’s farming community and food security.
“Livestock keepers are urged to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, following scrupulous biosecurity, and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
Since April 12, 2025, travelers have been banned from bringing cattle, sheep, goat and pig meat – as well as dairy products – from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. That followed a rise of disease cases across mainland Europe. All travelers are urged to ensure they are not bringing those products into the country.
Chris McCullough
This is an original article written for Agri-View, a Lee Enterprises agricultural publication based in Madison, Wisconsin. Visit AgriView.com for more information.
With 20 years experience behind him, award-winning agricultural journalist Chris McCullough is always on the hunt for his next story. He grew up on the family dairy farm in the heart of Northern Ireland and is based on the country’s east coast. He travels around the world to bring readers international news.