Greece reports first FMD outbreak in 25 years
- ZISK
- Mar 23
- 1 min read
After a quarter of a century being foot-and-mouth disease free, Greece has confirmed its first case in Lesvos. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the pathogen was detected at a cattle farm in the Pelopi area, infecting nine out of the 38 head, with 250 sheep at risk as well.
A severe, fast-spreading viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats and deer, FMD is one of the most economically devastating and challenging animal diseases to control. Symptoms include fever, blisters on the feet and mouth, loss of appetite, drooling and lameness. Most herds affected are culled, as in the case of the 2001 U.K. FMD outbreak and the loss of more than 10 million animals.
Ann Hess,Content Producer
March 19, 2026
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