With a decision that immediately reshapes the map of the live animal trade, Greece is moving to freeze imports, as authorities seek to contain the spread of sheep and goat pox.
Greece is not only confronting a public health emergency in its livestock sector but also a widening regulatory uncertainty that is deepening producers’ insecurity. Farms decimated by sheep and goat pox are attempting to rebuild, yet the rules governing live imports of small ruminants are shifting once again, this time following direct intervention from Brussels.
The official figures are stark. A total of 2,105 confirmed outbreaks of sheep and goat pox have been recorded from August 2024 through 15 February 2026, affecting 2,610 holdings, with 479,821 animals culled. The geographic spread is extensive, covering dozens of regional units across the country.
The European regulatory framework has already been reinforced through Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/257, which amends the emergency measures applicable to Greece and establishes clearly delineated protection and surveillance zones with defined time limits. The decision is grounded in Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, which impose strict movement restrictions in cases involving Category A diseases, such as sheep and goat pox.
However, according to confirmed information from senior administrative sources, in recent hours the European Commission sent an email to the Greek veterinary authorities within the Ministry, which was subsequently forwarded to the competent Regional Directorates of Rural Economy and Veterinary Services. The content of that communication effectively results in a nationwide freeze on imports of live sheep and goats, pending a new epidemiological assessment. This development goes beyond the delineation of specific control zones and extends to the entire territory of Greece.
For producers who have already initiated restocking procedures, the decision creates an immediate financial strain. Some have paid advance deposits to secure animals from abroad, relying on earlier interpretations of the movement regime. The sudden suspension of imports now exposes them to potential capital losses, at a time when their production units remain empty.
According to the same sources, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food is examining possible interventions to address deposits that have already been paid. The objective is either to secure a transitional arrangement for specific cases or to establish a mechanism that prevents the loss of funds already disbursed. Consultations are reported to be ongoing.
At the same time, the Ministry has already amended the national emergency contingency plan for animal diseases, adjusting procedures for preparedness and coordination among veterinary authorities in response to the evolving outbreak.