A second case of foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in a sheep farm in Lesbos, leading to immediate measures for slaughtering infected animals to prevent the spread of the virus.
A second case of foot-and-mouth disease has been identified in a sheep farm located in Lesbos, Greece, as confirmed by the Athens Veterinary Center. This incident follows the first confirmed case which occurred on March 16, 2026, in a neighboring cattle farm, indicating a significant epidemiological connection between the two outbreaks. The General Directorate of Veterinary Services from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food has identified the affected farm as being within the designated protected zone, necessitating immediate action to control the spread of the disease.
Upon laboratory confirmation of the new outbreak, authorities have issued an order for the immediate culling of the infected sheep. This drastic measure is intended to prevent further transmission of the foot-and-mouth disease virus, in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2020/687. Prompt and effective response protocols are vital in managing such outbreaks, as they can have severe implications for animal health and agricultural practices, particularly in livestock-dependent regions.
In response to the unfolding situation, the ministry is dispatching a team of veterinarians to the island to enhance clinical surveillance and tracking efforts. This reinforcement is critical to contain the spread of the disease and reassure farmers and the public of ongoing monitoring. Health experts emphasize the importance of rigorous biosecurity measures and vaccination strategies to safeguard livestock and public health in the region.
