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The Directorate General of Animal Health of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food of Greece has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on a cattle farm located on the island of Lesbos, detected on 15 March 2026. The last time the disease was detected in Greece was between 2000 and 2001, although the last confirmed outbreak in this area occurred on 18 August 1994.
Following confirmation of the case, the Greek authorities have immediately activated the emergency plan established under European and national legislation for the eradication of the disease. The entire island of Lesbos has been declared a restricted zone, with the measures set out in Regulation (EU) 2020/687 being applied.
Among the main measures adopted is the total ban on the movement of live animals of susceptible species (cattle, pigs and sheep-goats), both within and outside the island, as well as restrictions on the transport of products and by-products of animal origin and feed. The slaughter of animals on the island has also been prohibited, as well as the removal of food of animal origin in personal luggage.
On the affected farm, all susceptible animals present will be subject to sanitary culling and the destruction of products, in accordance with control and eradication protocols.
March 17, 2026 / Ministry of Agriculture / Greece.
https://www.minagric.gr
