The European Commission has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at a livestock facility on Lesbos and emphasizes the need for rapid response measures from Greek authorities.
The European Commission has confirmed that it is aware of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at a small livestock facility in Lesbos, where cattle and sheep are kept. A spokesperson mentioned that the identification of the specific serotype of the disease is still pending. The Commission highlighted the urgency for Greek authorities to implement strict measures in the affected establishments and prohibited zones, including the immediate culling of infected animals, destruction of the carcasses and their products, thorough disinfection of facilities, and restrictions on animal movements alongside rigorous biosecurity and surveillance measures as per EU legislation.
The Commission assured that it is ready to provide comprehensive support, including deploying an emergency veterinary team (EUVET) to assist Greek authorities in combating the disease once requested. This technical support may include advising on vaccination strategies and developing methods to control the outbreak effectively. The presence of the Commission during this crisis underscores the importance of swift actions to prevent the spread of the disease and protect both animal health and public safety.
Foot-and-mouth disease poses a significant threat to livestock and financial stability for farmers, thus necessitating a rapid and coordinated response from both national and European resources. The situation in Lesbos may lead to stricter regulations not only within the affected area but potentially throughout Greece, prompting the need for enhanced biosecurity measures across all livestock holdings to prevent further outbreaks.
