Greece-RFP-032326
Greece has become the latest country to confirm a case of foot and mouth disease (FMD) as the dreaded disease continues to spread around 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 out of a total of 38 cattle and 250 sheep on the farm, close to the town of Pelopi, were suspected of having the disease.
Due to this latest outbreak, Greece has designated the entire island as a restricted zone, and has banned all animal movements off it.
Authorities have enforced EU zoning rules to separate unaffected areas from those considered at risk. Through these measures, officials aim to contain the outbreak quickly and reduce the risk of wider transmission across the livestock sector.
NO MILK COLLECTION
All milk collection on Lesvos has been halted, which will no doubt come as a huge financial concern to the farmers and the economy.
Around 60 to 70 tonnes of milk are produced on Lesvos daily and farmers are angry this will all be wasted and their incomes hit hard.
This bad news follows on from FMD being confirmed on Cyprus, which lies 800 kilometers to the southeast of Lesvos. Latest news suggests the Cypriot authorities are continuing to battle FMD there with 38 farms affected and over 14,000 sheep and goats culled as well as 1,100 cattle.
The UK 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.
IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
These imports can only be allowed into the UK if the products have undergone the required heat treatment and are accompanied by the mandatory health certificate.
The UK has currently no cases of FMD and will continue to apply proportionate, science-based measures to protect animal health while facilitating safe trade.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Christine Middlemiss 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, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency,” she said.
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. This followed a rise of disease cases across mainland Europe. All travelers are urged to ensure they are not bringing these products into the country.
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