Greece identifies one case of sheep pox in Lesvos

Greek health authorities have identified the first case of sheep pox on one animal following an on-site livestock inspection of a farm in western Lesvos last week, the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food said on Thursday.

The tissue samples were sent to a lab in Athens which confirmed the breakout on Tuesday, the ministry said, adding that the area in Sigri where the virus was detected was placed under surveillance with a ban on the movement of animals for a month and a half.

On Wednesday, deputy governor of Agricultural Economy Panagos Koufelos and the Director of the Veterinary Service, Stratis Tsombanellis said in a press conference that the infected animal was euthanized, while the rest of the herd, comprising of 450 animals, were examined on Wednesday by a team of veterinarians. So far, no other animals have exhibited symptoms of the virus.

The checks were carried out following an alert issued by Turkish health authorities about outbreaks of the disease in the regions of Smyrna and Canakkale, located a few miles from the Greek island.

Authorities have set up a special disinfection process for tourists from Turkey to avoid the spread of the disease. 

Sheep pox is a highly contagious infectious disease of goats and sheep that can be transmitted with direct contact with an infected animal and consumption of contaminated food, or through tools, vehicles, or products.

The virus is not transmitted to humans or other animal species.