Smallpox decimates sheep stocks in northern Greece

An outbreak of smallpox has decimated sheep stocks in the northern Greece prefecture of Evros, with livestock farmers estimating their losses at a total of some 8 million euros.

According to the state-run Athens-Macedonia News Agency (AMNA), more than 22,200 sheep have been culled at farms around the region since the outbreak, which was first recorded on June 14. Since August 2013, meanwhile, a total of 31,300 animals have been killed after contracting the highly contagious disease.

The AMNA also said that of the 170 sheep farmers registered with the Feron Veterinary Service, just six are in operation today, showing a decline in activity of 97 percent.