News
Back to news
Apokoronas farmers warned: sheep pox spreading in Greece – Crete still clear but at risk
Announcement · Municipality of Apokoronas

Apokoronas farmers warned: sheep pox spreading in Greece – Crete still clear but at risk

July 10, 2026 Original source ↗ Verified source
Summary

Sheep pox – a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats – has re-emerged across mainland Greece, and while Crete remains disease-free, authorities are warning farmers in Apokoronas to act immediately. Regional authorities have banned the import of sheep and goats from the rest of Greece onto Crete, restricted breeding animal movements to within each district, and required all animal transports to follow strict biosecurity rules until August 20, 2026. Farmers must inspect their animals daily for red spots, pimples, black crusts, and open sores, and report any suspected cases at once to the local public veterinarian.

Sheep pox threatens Cretan herds – what farmers in Apokoronas need to know now

A dangerous animal disease is spreading across Greece: sheep pox, a highly contagious viral infection that affects sheep and goats, has resurfaced across the Greek mainland and is putting pressure on island communities. Crete, according to the Region of Crete's veterinary authorities, remains free from the disease – but the warning is clear and urgent. Farmers in Apokoronas must act now to protect their herds.

The municipality of Apokoronas has shared guidance from the Region of Crete urging all sheep and goat farmers in the area to carry out daily checks on their animals and to follow strict biosecurity protocols.

What is sheep pox and how does it spread?

Sheep pox is caused by a virus that can survive in the open environment for up to six months. It spreads through direct contact between animals, but also through indirect contact via tools, vehicles, hay, bedding, wool, and hides. Humans cannot catch the disease, but they can inadvertently carry the virus from one farm to another on their hands, shoes, or clothing.

Affected animals – primarily sheep, though goats can also be infected – initially show general illness: lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, nasal discharge, and watery eyes. Characteristic skin lesions then appear, most visibly on hairless areas of the body:

  • Reddish patches and red pimples (papules), up to 1 cm in size
  • Round black crusts (scabs)
  • Open, round sores (ulcers)

These lesions develop mainly on: the head and face, belly, udders, armpits, genitals, base of the tail, and inner thighs.

Within five to ten days, the initial red spots evolve into crusts and open wounds. The animal's head often appears swollen and disfigured. What begins with one or two sick animals can spread rapidly to an entire herd – and quickly to neighbouring herds in the same area.

What should farmers check and when?

Every farmer keeping sheep or goats in Apokoronas should inspect their animals carefully every single day, focusing on all the body areas listed above. Anyone who notices redness, pimples, black crusts, or open sores must contact the local public veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions without delay. Reporting suspected sheep pox to the authorities is not optional – it is a legal obligation.

What movement rules are now in force?

The Region of Crete has imposed the following measures, in effect from August 7 to August 20, 2026, when they will be reassessed:

  • Slaughter movements: Permitted within the Region of Crete, subject to strict biosecurity measures
  • Breeding animals: Movements restricted to within the same district (regional unit) only, subject to strict biosecurity measures
  • Seasonal grazing movements: Still permitted across Crete, subject to the conditions set out in relevant ministerial circulars
  • Import ban: It is prohibited to bring sheep or goats from mainland Greece or other islands onto Crete
  • Quarantine: Animals arriving at a destination must remain in quarantine for 30 days; the destination must be cleaned and disinfected before their arrival
  • Transport vehicles: Must be disinfected before loading and must carry a valid cleaning and disinfection certificate at all times

How can farmers protect their own flock?

Beyond daily inspections, authorities recommend the following preventive steps:

  • Always consult your local veterinary authority before buying animals, feed, or bedding materials
  • Avoid visiting other sheep and goat farms, and do not allow visitors onto your own farm unless absolutely necessary
  • Do not borrow tools, equipment, or male animals (rams or billy goats) from other farms
  • Report any suspicious or illegal animal movements to the authorities
  • Lock your barn entrance so that no one can enter when you are away
  • Maintain a disinfectant footbath at the barn entrance

If a confirmed outbreak has already occurred in your district, contact your local veterinary authority immediately and follow all instructions given.

Why does early reporting matter so much?

Every hour counts in containing an outbreak. The faster a suspected case is reported and verified, the more effectively the disease can be stopped from spreading to neighbouring herds and areas. Beyond the immediate harm to animals, a country dealing with sheep pox risks having other countries ban imports of its sheep, goats, and animal products – a serious economic blow to the wider farming sector.

The official documents, including an information poster and a detailed farmer's leaflet, can be downloaded from the Apokoronas municipality website:

Official source

Source translation

Machine-translated from the official source document.

SHEEP POX

IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONTAGIOUS ANIMAL DISEASE

THAT HAS REAPPEARED IN OUR COUNTRY AND THREATENS SHEEP AND GOATS

How can we detect in time whether our animals have been infected with sheep pox?

We examine our animals every day (mainly sheep but also goats)

  • on the head and face
  • on the belly
  • on the udders
  • in the armpits
  • on the genitals
  • at the base and inside of the tail
  • on the inner side of the thighs
  • on any other hairless part of the body

We look carefully for:

Redness, red pimples, black crusts, sores, nasal discharge, tears

Sheep with extensive sheep pox lesions on the head, face and belly. Red pimples (papules).

Characteristic sheep pox lesions at the base of the tail. Red pimples (papules).

Typical sheep pox lesions. Red pimples (papules).

Advanced sheep pox lesions. Sores (ulcers).

Advanced sheep pox lesions. Black crusts (scabs).

Extensive sheep pox lesions across the entire belly, udders, thighs, genitals and base of the tail. Redness (spots) and red pimples (papules).

Advanced sheep pox lesions. Black crusts (scabs) and sores (ulcers) on the same animal.

Sheep with sheep pox lesions on the face. Redness (spots), red pimples (papules) and nasal discharge (nasal secretion).

Photographs of lesions: Konstantinos Dadousis, Anna-Maria Baka

If we observe any of the above in one or more animals, we immediately notify the Public Veterinarians of our area and faithfully follow their instructions.

IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOUR ANIMALS MAY HAVE CONTRACTED SHEEP POX, DO NOT WAIT – NOTIFY THE PUBLIC VETERINARIANS IMMEDIATELY. THE HERDS OF YOUR ENTIRE AREA MAY BE AT RISK.

For additional information you can contact the local veterinary authorities of your area directly.

What must we do to prevent the transmission of sheep pox to our farm?

  • We always consult the local veterinary authority of our area in advance if we intend to purchase animals, feed or other materials (e.g. bedding) that we will use on our farm.
  • We avoid visiting other sheep and goat farms or allowing visitors to our own farm.
  • We do not borrow tools and materials, or rams and billy goats from other farms.
  • We inform the veterinary authorities if we detect illegal or suspicious movements of animals.
  • We secure the entrance to our barn so that no one can enter when we are away.
  • We operate a disinfectant footbath at the entrance to the barn.

DEAR FARMER

SHEEP POX – A DISEASE THAT ONCE AGAIN THREATENS THE SHEEP AND GOATS OF OUR COUNTRY

What is sheep pox?

Sheep pox (or simply pox) is a very contagious disease caused by a microbe (virus).

Which animal species are affected?

The disease affects sheep and goats. In our country, symptoms have so far been observed mainly in sheep; however, goats can also be infected.

How is sheep pox transmitted?

Healthy animals contract the disease when they come into direct contact with infected animals, but also after indirect contact with infected objects or products (e.g. tools, vehicles, hay, bedding, wool, hides, etc.).

How will I know if my animals have contracted sheep pox?

Initially, animals (mainly sheep) show malaise, loss of appetite and fever, and may also have nasal discharge and tears.

Skin lesions then appear that are most visible on the head, face and generally on the hairless parts of the body (armpits, belly, inside of the tail, udder, genitals).

These consist of redness (red spots) and pimples, usually red in colour, 0.5–1 cm in size (papules).

Gradually (after 5–10 days), the redness and pimples turn into round black crusts (scabs) and open sores (ulcers).

Due to the skin lesions, the animal's head usually appears swollen and disfigured.

At first, only 1–2 animals may be affected, but very soon the other animals in the herd are also infected, and quickly the other herds in the same area are also contaminated.

Are humans at risk from sheep pox?

No, the disease does not infect humans. However, if a person visits an infected farm or comes into contact with infected animals, they may inadvertently (mechanically) transmit the disease to healthy animals and infect them (e.g. through their hands, shoes, clothing, etc.).

What can we do to prevent sheep pox from entering our herd from infected areas of other countries?

If we are planning to travel abroad, we ask the local veterinary authorities whether the country we will visit has sheep pox or another contagious animal disease and follow their instructions. In any case, when abroad, we must avoid visiting farms or other places where animals are gathered (e.g. markets, etc.).

Why are sheep pox significant for the whole country?

When a country has sheep pox, neighbouring countries may ban imports of sheep and goats and their products from that country in order not to contract the disease themselves.

Why is it important to notify the public authorities immediately whenever sheep pox is suspected?

The sooner we detect sheep pox and take appropriate measures, the more we reduce the risk of the disease spreading to neighbouring herds and neighbouring areas. For this reason, reporting of the disease is also mandatory by law.

For additional information you can contact the local veterinary authorities of your area directly.

Photographs of lesions: Konstantinos Dadousis, Anna-Maria Baka

Prepared by: Ministry of Rural Development and Food, General Directorate of Veterinary Services, Directorate of Animal Health, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

HELLENIC REPUBLIC

REGION OF CRETE – Heraklion

GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

VETERINARY DIRECTORATE

TO: Distribution List

Postal Address: Platonos 67, 71307 Heraklion Contact persons: Lamprinidi Sofia, Giannetaki Timothei Tel.: 2810221624, 2892022337 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

SUBJECT: "Preventive measures for Sheep Pox in small ruminants"

THE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

Having regard to:

  1. Law No. 3852/2010 (Government Gazette 87/Vol. A/07-06-2010) "New Architecture of Local Government and Decentralised Administration – Kallikratis Programme", as replaced and in force under Article 5 of Law 4071/2012 (Government Gazette 85/Vol. A/11-04-2012) "Regulations for local development, local government and decentralised administration – Incorporation of Directive 2009/50/EC".
  2. Decision No. 10650/24-11-2025 (Government Gazette 6523 B) of the Secretary of the Decentralised Administration of Crete "Amendment to the Internal Service Regulation of the Region of Crete".
  3. The provisions of Presidential Decree 138/1995 "Establishment of general measures to combat certain animal diseases as well as specific measures for swine vesicular disease, in compliance with Council Directive 92/119/EEC" (A' 88).
  4. Decision No. 1747/386028/18-12-2023 of the Minister of Rural Development and Food "Emergency action plan for the control of diseases in Annex I of Presidential Decree 138/1995 A' 88" (Government Gazette 7121 Vol. B').
  5. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 "supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to rules for the prevention and control of certain listed diseases".
  6. The fact that sheep pox disease is caused by a virus which shows high transmissibility and can survive in the external environment for up to 6 months and can additionally be transmitted mechanically, among other routes.
  7. The fact that, although the island of Crete is free from sheep pox disease, the disease has not been controlled in the rest of Greece and there is additionally an increase in cases.
  8. The need to take preventive measures to prevent the entry and spread of sheep pox disease in Cretan farms.
  9. Following a relevant meeting of representatives of the veterinary services of Crete with the General Director of the Primary Sector and the Vice Regional Governor for Agricultural Economy of the Region of Crete.
  10. Decision No. 323410/23-09-2025 of the General Director of the Primary Sector "Preventive measures for Sheep Pox in small ruminants".
  11. Decisions No. 332765/01-10-2025, 343706/09-10-2025, 356086/17-10-2025, 366888/27-10-2025, 378000/05-11-2025, 388530/13-11-2025, 399051/20-11-2025, 408271/27-11-2025, 428452/11-12-2025 and 455134/31-12-2025 of the General Director of the Primary Sector "Preventive measures for Sheep Pox in small ruminants".
  12. Decisions No. 2154/07-01-2026, 20202/22-01-2026, 37190/05-02-2026, 51361/18-02-2026, 72939/05-03-2026, 91535/19-03-2026, 116069/03-04-2026, 128505/15-04-2026, 149564/30-04-2026, 166868/14-05-2026, 187208/28-05-2026, 204653/11-06-2026, 224390/25-06-2026, 244300/09-07-2026 and 262298/23-07-2026 of the General Director of Agricultural Economy and Development "Preventive measures for Sheep Pox in small ruminants".
  13. Circular No. 64918/13-03-2026 of MAAF "Application of measures on movements and slaughter of small ruminants in view of the Easter holiday period".
  14. Circular No. 110220/04-05-2026 of MAAF "Movement to summer pastures".
  15. Circular No. 146294/08-06-2026 of MAAF "Movement to summer pastures".

WE DECIDE

  1. Movements of small ruminants for immediate slaughter are permitted within the Region of Crete with strict observance of all necessary biosecurity measures.
  2. Movements of small ruminants for breeding are restricted within each respective Regional Unit, meaning they take place only within each Regional Unit with strict observance of all necessary biosecurity measures.
  3. Movements of small ruminants to summer pasture (change of pasture) continue to be permitted both within and outside each respective Regional Unit within Crete, in accordance with the prerequisites of points 14 and 15 above.
  4. The destination establishment must be cleaned and disinfected before the entry of small ruminants, which must remain at the destination establishment in quarantine for 30 days.
  5. All movements of small ruminants must be carried out with animal health movement certificates, using certified appropriate vehicles that have been disinfected before loading.
  6. The entry of small ruminants onto the island of Crete from farms in the rest of Greece remains prohibited.
  7. It is mandatory to provide a cleaning and disinfection certificate for the vehicle from the slaughterhouse, which shall be requested at the destination, upon the vehicle entering a farm for loading, and during checks by the competent authorities. The above measures are in force from Friday 07-08-2026 until Thursday 20-08-2026, when they will be reassessed.

By delegation

THE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

LAMPRINIDI SOFIA

DISTRIBUTION LIST

RECIPIENTS FOR ACTION

  1. Association of Livestock Farmers of Heraklion Prefecture "Cooperation of Livestock Farmers of Heraklion Prefecture"
  2. Livestock Farmers' Association of Lasithi Plateau
  3. Livestock Farmers' Association of Lasithi
  4. Livestock Farmers' Association of Mylopotamos
  5. Association of Professional Livestock Farmers of Rethymno Prefecture
  6. Livestock Farmers' Association of Amari
  7. Livestock Farmers' Association of Anogia
  8. Livestock Farmers' Association of Chania
  9. Agricultural Livestock Cooperative of Chania Prefecture
  10. Police Directorate of Heraklion
  11. Police Directorate of Chania
  12. Police Directorate of Rethymno
  13. Police Directorate of Lasithi
  14. Port Authority of Heraklion
  15. Port Authority of Chania
  16. Port Authority of Siteia
  17. Port Authority of Rethymno
  18. Municipalities of Regional Unit Heraklion, Regional Unit Chania, Regional Unit Rethymno, Regional Unit Lasithi
  19. Slaughterhouse facilities of the Region of Crete

RECIPIENTS FOR INFORMATION

  1. Office of the Regional Governor Mr Arnaoutakis Stavros
  2. Office of the Vice Regional Governor of Regional Unit Heraklion, Mr Syrigonakis Nikolaos
  3. Office of the Vice Regional Governor for Agricultural Economy, Mr Tzedakis Stavros
  4. Office of the Vice Regional Governor of Regional Unit Rethymno, Ms Lionis Maria
  5. Office of the Vice Regional Governor of Regional Unit Chania, Mr Kalogeris Nikolaos
  6. Office of the Vice Regional Governor of Regional Unit Lasithi, Mr Androulakis Ioannis
  7. Veterinary Directorate of the Region of Crete
  8. Directorate of Agricultural Development and Veterinary of Regional Unit Chania
  9. Directorate of Agricultural Development and Veterinary of Regional Unit Rethymno
  10. Directorate of Agricultural Development and Veterinary of Regional Unit Lasithi
  11. Ministry of Rural Development and Food, General Directorate of Veterinary Services, Directorate of Animal Health, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Acharnon 2 – 101 76 Athens