A second case of sheep and goat pox was confirmed in a livestock unit in Dafia, Lesvos. A few days earlier, the first case had been detected in the same area, which alerted the island’s veterinary services and livestock farmers, who took immediate measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
According to information from ERT, new samples were taken for laboratory analysis, which were sent by air for control, with the results expected the next day. European protocols for smallpox protection and monitoring have been put in place in the areas where cases have been identified, with teams of vets carrying out checks in a three kilometer protection zone and a ten kilometer surveillance zone around the units.
As a preventive measure, it was decided to kill the 220 animals of the second affected unit, while all 110 sheep from the first livestock unit were already killed.
According to the announcement of the Primary Sector vice-region, after the confirmation of the contamination of the breeding, the necessary measures were imposed to prevent the transmission and to eradicate the sheep pox zoonosis, which are:
1. The ban on the exit of the Lesbos Regional Unit of live animals, non-edible products of sensitive species.
2. The ban on buying and selling sheep and goats in the P.E. of Lesvos.
3. The prohibition of all movements of goats and sheep within the P.E. of Lesvos for the purpose of fattening and reproduction.
4. The prohibition of the movement of sheep and goats for the purpose of immediate slaughter throughout the territory of the P.E. of Lesvos until the completion of the clinical and epidemiological controls of all the farms by the Veterinary Service located in the designated Protection and Surveillance Zones which are the following:
Protection zone delimited by D. D. Kallonis, D. K. Dafion – Petsofa – , D. K. Kerami, Skala Kallonis, Holy Monastery of Leimonos, Koukouvagies – Achladies, Papiana of the Municipality of Western Lesbos.
Surveillance zone delimited by D. D. Kallonis, D. D. Stipsis, D. D. Skoutarou D.D. Filias, D. D. Lafiona, D. D. High forehead, D. D. Anemotia, D. D. Parakoila, D. D. Agia Paraskevi, D. D. Napis of the Municipality of Western Lesvos.
The Animal Health Department of the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine of Lesbos is at the disposal of anyone interested in any relevant information for the purpose of preventing and preventing the disease of sheep pox on the phones 2251047427 and 2251042236
#case #sheep #goat #pox #Lesvos
**Interview with Dr. Sofia Nikolaou, Veterinary Specialist at Lesvos Livestock Services**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nikolaou. Can you explain the recent cases of sheep and goat pox confirmed in Dafia, Lesvos?
**Dr. Nikolaou:** Thank you for having me. Yes, unfortunately, we’ve confirmed a second case of sheep and goat pox in a livestock unit in Dafia, following the first case just days earlier. This situation has raised significant concerns among local farmers and veterinarians.
**Editor:** What measures have been implemented to control the spread of this disease?
**Dr. Nikolaou:** Immediate actions were taken to contain the situation. Veterinary teams have conducted thorough checks within a three-kilometer protection zone and a ten-kilometer surveillance zone around the affected units. Furthermore, we’ve sent new samples for laboratory analysis, and we’re awaiting results. Following European protocols, strict biosecurity measures are in place.
**Editor:** I understand that as a preventive measure, there are plans to cull the affected animals. Can you elaborate on that decision?
**Dr. Nikolaou:** Yes, regrettably, we have decided to cull the 220 animals in the second affected unit. This is a necessary step to prevent further spread of the virus and to protect the wider livestock population. It’s a difficult but essential measure for ensuring the health of the local farming community.
**Editor:** How are farmers responding to these developments, and what advice would you give them?
**Dr. Nikolaou:** Farmers are understandably anxious about the situation. My advice is to remain vigilant and report any unusual symptoms in their livestock immediately. They should also adhere strictly to biosecurity measures and cooperate with veterinary services during inspections.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Nikolaou. We appreciate your insights on this critical issue affecting the community in Lesvos.
**Dr. Nikolaou:** Thank you for bringing attention to this matter. It’s vital for the health of our livestock and the livelihoods of our farmers.
