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...