Greek animals undergo testing following goat plague outbreak

In central Greece, over 16,500 goats and sheep undergo testing for a viral infection called goat plague after nine animals tested positive. The outbreak of the “peste des petits ruminants” virus, known as PPR or goat plague, was detected on July 11.

Authorities have culled 2,500 animals in affected farming units in Larissa and Trikala, with a total of 16,500 animals tested so far. Greece is investigating the source of the outbreak, deploying over 100 vets to examine livestock, with 120,000 more animals to be tested by Friday.

The virus causes fever, sores, laboured breathing, and diarrhea in animals but does not affect human health. Sheep and goats in Thessaly are under quarantine, with a slaughtering ban until July 26 to contain the spread.