The resilience of Greek farmers is being tested once again as they confront a new threat – goat plague – while still reeling from the devastating floods of the previous year. This double blow to the agricultural sector has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the industry’s future, demanding swift action and unwavering support.
The emergence of goat plague, a highly contagious viral disease affecting goats and sheep, was first reported in Greece in July. While not transmissible to humans, the virus poses a significant risk to livestock, with mortality rates reaching a staggering 70%. The disease spreads rapidly, requiring the culling of entire flocks upon detection, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers already grappling with the aftermath of the floods.
Thessaly, a region known as the breadbasket of Greece, accounting for a quarter of the nation’s agricultural output and a significant portion of its GDP, was particularly hard hit by both the floods and the subsequent outbreak. In September 2023, torrential rains caused widespread flooding, impacting approximately 30,000 farmers and causing extensive damage to crops and livestock.
Yanna Cara, the owner of Stalos Dairy Farm in Thessaly, vividly recalls the devastation caused by the floods. She lost nearly 750 out of her 800 animals, pushing her farm to the brink of financial ruin. The arrival of goat plague, what Cara describes as a “crisis before the crisis,” has only compounded her worries. She attributes the virus’s entry into Greece to understaffed veterinary clinics and inadequate checks on imported animals.
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The Greek government has implemented a temporary ban on the slaughter and movement of sheep and goats to control the spread of the virus. While this measure is crucial for containment, it presents additional challenges for farmers like Cara, who are unable to replenish their herds or sell their animals.
In response to the growing crisis, senior agriculture ministry official Yorgos Tracos has assured farmers that the government is actively exploring compensation options for those impacted by the ban. He emphasized that efforts are underway to trace the origin of the virus, which is suspected to have been imported from another country.
Goat plague, first identified in the Ivory Coast in 1942, continues to pose a significant threat to global food security. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates annual losses of up to $2.1 billion due to the disease.
goat
The current situation in Greece underscores the vulnerability of agricultural systems to interconnected challenges such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and economic instability. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize disease prevention, early detection, and rapid response, along with robust support systems for farmers facing adversity.
As Greek farmers navigate the dual crises of flood recovery and goat plague, their resilience and determination are evident. Addressing these challenges effectively will require a collaborative effort from the government, industry stakeholders, and the international community. The goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of Greek agriculture, safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and the nation’s food security in the face of an uncertain future.
