Ithaca: First Case of Sheep and Goat Pox Confirmed

The first case of sheep and goat pox has been confirmed in Ithaca, at a livestock farm in the Perachori area, where 200 sheep and goats are raised. Authorities have been mobilized to assess the extent of the problem and take measures.

Deputy Regional Governor Sotiris Kouris confirmed the immediate mobilization of health and veterinary authorities to ERT Zakynthos. According to him, the prescribed procedures will be followed, and the animals on the farm will be euthanized to limit the spread of the disease.

A team from the Veterinary Department of the Directorate of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Medicine of the Regional Unit of Kefalonia and Ithaca is expected to carry out inspections on all livestock farms on the island.

Strict biosecurity measures have been implemented in the wider area to curb the spread. These include the designation of protection and surveillance zones, restrictions on the movement of animals and feed, strict adherence to disinfection measures, and isolation of suspected animals.

Livestock farmers are increasingly concerned ahead of Easter, given that Kefalonia has already been affected by cases of sheep and goat pox.