Greece has culled approximately 9,000 animals following an outbreak of the small-ruminants plague (PPR).
This action was part of efforts to contain the spread of the contagious and deadly viral disease.
The action was taken after inspections of over 230,000 goats and sheep on the mainland over the past week, Greek Agricultural Development and Food Minister Kostas Tsiaras said on Tuesday.
“We are taking all necessary measures to address the issue,” he told Greek broadcaster ERT, adding that there was no risk to public health.
The agriculture ministry announced a nationwide ban on the transportation of goats and sheep for any reason as a preventive step, as experts tried to locate the origin of the disease.
The first cases were identified in the region of Thessaly in central Greece last week, where units were placed under quarantine.
Few cases were reported near Athens and the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece on Monday.
Breeders said that some animals tested positive were imported from Romania.
Greek authorities also proceeded to ban imports of goats and sheep from Romania until this Friday.
Tsiaras said that the state will support animal breeders who are affected.
According to the ministry, breeders are refunded 150 euros (or $162.5) for each animal killed.
Compared to the losses, the amount is small Greek goat and sheep breeder Nikos Guvas told Xinhua.
Despite the assurances by officials and experts that PPR has no consequences on human health, a few customers of butcher Antonis Blamis in Athens were hesitant to purchase meat products this week.
By Xinhua
