Greece is facing a critical situation due to the outbreak of smallpox, which has resulted in the deaths of 484,135 goats and sheep. This crisis comes at a time when the Easter celebrations are approaching, adding urgency to the government's response. The Ministry of Rural Development is actively engaged in efforts to control the situation as livestock farmers express concerns over potential loss of the trading season due to the outbreak.

Since the beginning of August 2024 until March 8, 2026, there have been a total of 2,128 confirmed cases across 2,636 farms, underlining the widespread impact of this health crisis on the agricultural sector. Specifically, there were 103 new cases reported from January 1 to March 8, 2026, with only 9 cases recorded during the week of March 2-8. Regions such as Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, Serres, Thessaly, and Western Greece remain on high alert as officials work to prevent further spread of the disease.

To address the crisis, a new joint ministerial decision has been released, aimed at improving the health of livestock through expanded reimbursement for operational expenses, including preventive measures for regions heavily affected by the outbreak. This decision is crucial not only for compensating the losses due to animal culling but also for ensuring that farmers can maintain their operations and prepare for the upcoming Easter market, highlighting the intertwined nature of health and economic stability in the agricultural sector.