Goat and Sheep Pox: EU-Approved Vaccine Unavailable in Greece?

According to the Regional Governor of Thessaly, Dimitris Kouretas, a legal vaccine for goat and sheep pox is available in the EU, but the Ministry of Rural Development has not applied to obtain it.

Mr. Kouretas stated that illegal vaccines had entered Greece from countries such as Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt. A legal vaccine was identified in Belgium, but the ministry did not apply for it.

During his visit to Belgium, Mr. Kouretas discussed the issue with the Veterinary Committee of the Commission. He stated that the Committee had recommended that the Greek ministry consider a targeted vaccination program in specific zones.

Mr. Kouretas emphasized that there are 500,000 doses of vaccines available and safe. Bulgaria has already carried out such vaccinations.

The Regional Governor expressed concerns about a possible third wave of pox in the spring, stressing the need for immediate vaccination. He noted that previous waves had led to the death of hundreds of thousands of animals.