The Greek political party PASOK has criticized the government's handling of a sheep and goatpox outbreak, highlighting that nearly 500,000 animals have been culled without effectively stopping the disease's spread.
PASOK, the Greek political party, has raised significant concerns regarding the government's strategy to manage an outbreak of sheep and goatpox, indicating that nearly 500,000 sheep and goats have been culled thus far. Despite these drastic measures, the party alleges that the spread of the disease has not been curtailed, leading to despair among thousands of livestock farmers in Greece. This situation raises questions about the efficacy of the government’s approach to animal health and agriculture management in the face of a severe livestock crisis.
In a recent statement from PASOK's Agricultural Development sector, it was made clear that the ongoing policies are deemed ineffective, pushing the livestock industry toward a dead end. The party expressed deep concern for the plight of farmers who are facing economic jeopardy and criticized the government's persistence on a policy path that lacks tangible results. This criticism is juxtaposed against the welfare of the agricultural sector, which is pivotal to both local economies and food security in Greece.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has further complicated the government's position by affirming in its scientific opinion published on January 28, 2026, that effective vaccines against sheep and goatpox exist and are safe with minimal side effects. The EFSA confirmed that vaccination can significantly reduce the spread of the disease, highlighting a critical tool that the government allegedly has not adequately employed. This disconnect between scientific guidance and government action may provoke public discourse concerning the agricultural policies and their implications for public health, farmer livelihoods, and overall food security in Greece.
