Greece Grapples with Pox Outbreak, Threatening Global Feta Supply

Widespread Outbreak Leads to Mass Culling

Greece is currently facing a severe outbreak of sheep and goat pox (SPGP), a highly contagious viral disease that first emerged in northern Greece in August 2024. The disease has since spread rapidly across numerous regions, including Thessaly, Larissa, Xanthi, Serres, Evros, Rodopi, Achaia, and Magnesia. By mid-November 2025, over 1,700 cases had been confirmed, with the total number of affected farms reaching 2,270 nationwide.

In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, Greek authorities, in accordance with European Union (EU) regulations, have implemented a strict culling policy. This mandates the destruction of entire herds upon the detection of a single positive case. As a result, more than 417,000 sheep and goats, representing approximately 4-5% of the national herd, have been culled. The disease, caused by a capripoxvirus, poses no risk to humans, and meat and milk from unaffected animals are deemed safe for consumption.

Feta Production Under Threat

The mass culling has raised significant concerns for the future of Greece's iconic feta cheese industry. Feta, a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, must be produced in Greece using at least 70% sheep's milk and the remainder from goat's milk. Approximately 80% of all sheep and goat milk produced in Greece is dedicated to feta production. The loss of hundreds of thousands of milk-producing animals directly threatens the raw material supply for this vital export.

In 2024, Greece exported feta worth approximately €785 million ($913 million), with some reports indicating annual overseas sales reaching €1 billion. The region of Thessaly, a key farming area that produces nearly half of Greece's soft cheese, has been particularly hard hit, with over 160,000 animals culled and an estimated cost of €500 million, accounting for a third of its agricultural income. While milk production levels have remained comparable to 2024 so far, experts warn that a continued outbreak could lead to significant shortages and increased prices globally.

Economic Fallout and Response Efforts

The economic impact of the outbreak extends beyond feta production, with the overall financial toll on the Greek livestock sector estimated to exceed €350 million over the past 14 months. Farmers affected by the mandatory culling receive compensation, ranging from €70 for adult animals to €132-€220 depending on age, but many consider these payments insufficient to cover their losses.

Greek authorities have implemented various control measures, including:

• Strict biosecurity protocols on farms
• Enhanced veterinary inspections and disinfection points
• Movement restrictions for livestock in affected areas

The European Commission has also extended bans on the movement of sheep and goats from Greece to destinations outside the country until at least December 15, 2025. There has been ongoing debate regarding mass vaccination, with EU officials suggesting it should have begun and offering support, while Greek authorities express concerns about potential trade restrictions if vaccinated animals or their products cannot be exported. Critics have pointed to delays in the government's response and issues such as illegal animal transport hindering containment efforts.