The ongoing outbreak of sheep pox represents a significant crisis for the Greek livestock industry, with recent figures announced by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food indicating that 476,839 animals have been culled since August 2024. This epidemic has seen a total of 2,094 confirmed cases to date, highlighting the extent of the spread across the regions. The agricultural sector, heavily reliant on sheep and goat production, faces dire economic consequences due to this outbreak, affecting farmers' livelihoods and supply chains.

As of early February 2026, there have been 10 new confirmed cases across seven Regional Units, including areas like Aetolia-Acarnania, Evia, and Ilia. The persistence of new cases underscores the need for continued vigilance and adherence to biosecurity measures. Farmers are urged to follow strict protocols established by veterinary services to mitigate further spread, although it is clear that the disease remains a persistent challenge for the industry.

The situation has become an 'open wound' for Greek livestock, and the call for stringent biosecurity practices has never been more critical. As the numbers grow, the implications are profound, not only in terms of animal health but also for the economic stability of the sector. Stakeholders in Greek agriculture must address this crisis urgently to prevent further devastation to livestock herds and to safeguard farmers’ incomes as they navigate the repercussions of this severe animal disease epidemic.