A multi -level crisis, with serious health, economic and social implications, is experiencing its industry Greek livestock. The uncontrollable spread of the blessing of sheep and goats, which has led to forced killing since August 2024. 262,854 animals In over 1,100 breeds, it has brought producers to the limits, has triggered concern to consumers and threatens the entire agri -food chain.
‘Not in lockdown’ – the red line and compensation
In the midst of rumors and scenarios for generalized restrictive measures, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiarasset a clear “red line”. “We want to avoid Lockdown. I clarify this in every direction »he said categorically, explaining that such a decision would have an overwhelming blow to the economy, interrupting critical agricultural work such as corn harvesting, which is the basis of feed.
The government’s strategy, as described by the Minister, is based on two pillars: the application of strict health zones (protection, surveillance and prohibition) around the outbreaks and the financial support of the affected. Mr. Tsiaras emphasized that the compensation given to farmers for the animals killed were ‘Higher than any other European country’in an attempt to ensure their survival and rebuilding their capital the next day. At the same time, a ten -day “exercise” of veterinary services across the country was announced to intensify bio -security measures.
What about meat and milk?
At the heart of public concern is, reasonably, is the safety of food.
The ministry’s official newsletter is clear and reassuring:
- The sheep and goat’s pox is a disease that affects the animals exclusively and is not transmitted to man.
- The meat can be consumed normally and safely.
- The milk are also safeon the necessary condition that it has undergone its predicted heat treatment pasteurization.
Therefore, there is no question of public health from the consumption of products that are legally reached on the market.
The lamb value is launched
Where the crisis is already visible and painful for consumers is in prices. The massive killing of hundreds of thousands of animals has dramatically reduced availability, leading prices to unprecedented levels.
According to the latest data:
- Producer price for lamb has climbed to 10 €/kg.
- In wholesale market the prevailing price is 13,50 €/kg.
- This makes almost impossible for butchers to sell Greek lamb below 14 €/kgwith the price expected to grow further.
“Indeed, the lamb is at 10 euros (producer price). The reasons are that There will be no lamb in a while“, Warned by farmer Antonis Tsitsas, capturing the magnitude of the lack of the market.
The deepest problem
The current Epizotori acts as a accelerator in a pre -existing problem: the gradual shrinkage of the livestock industry in Greece. The decrease in the number of catches and animal capital has been threatening the availability of fresh milk for years and, by extension, the production of yogurt, cheese and butter.
The crisis of smallpox comes to exacerbate this situation, leading many producers to despair and, possibly, to the definitive abandonment of the profession. With the cost of production remaining high and the price they receive not being able to cover the damage, the viability of the whole industry is doubted. The next day, even after the eradication of the disease, will find Greek livestock farming deeply wounded and facing structural challenges that require immediate and brave interventions.