PPR Outbreak in Greece
Quote from Paula Menzies on 15-07-2024, 16:38The WOAH announced that Peste des Petits Ruminants has for the first time in Greece, been diagnosed on July 11, 2024, (confirmed on real-time PCR) and reported on . The outbreak occurred in a mixed flock of sheep and goats in Thessaly, Greece (Kalambaka). The WOAH reports that 50 animals of 264 have died at last report. It is not known how the disease was introduced to Greece. This flock is not near a border region but in central Thessaly. PPR is mostly transmitted from other infected sheep and goats, but also possibly by fomites (e.g., contaminated livestock vehicles). It is much less likely that the infection came from wild ruminants in the region. The virus is fragile in the environment but can survive if chilled, e.g., in meat from infected animals. PPR has no carrier state but recovered animals can shed the virus up to 3 weeks. So to prevent spread of PPR in Greece, it is critical in my opinion that the source of this outbreak be found very soon. I am sure that the Greek government is working hard to do just that in order to re-establish Greece's negative status and to prevent risk to other European countries and loss of markets.
The complete WOAH report can be read here.
Promed posted news of this outbreak on July 13, 2024. It included a machine-translated report from e.thessalia.gr regarding the outbreak. I am copying and pasting it here.
Date: Thu 11 Jul 2024
Source: e-thessalia.gr [in Greek, machine trans., edited]
https://e-thessalia.gr/kroysma-panolis-se-aigoprovata-stin-kalampaka-stin-periochi-klimakio-toy-ypoyrgeioy-agrotikis-anaptyxis/An outbreak of plague of small ruminants was detected and confirmed by the competent services of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in goat and sheep breeding in the Municipal Unit of Kalambaka, in the Municipality of Meteora, in the P.E. of Trikala.
From the competent veterinary services of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the local veterinary authorities of P.E. Trikala, all the necessary measures have been taken to deal with the disease, namely:
The National Center for Disease Control and the National Group of Experts for the plague of small ruminants at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food as well as the Local Center for Disease Control were activated to deal with the disease in P.E. Trikala as provided for in article 7 of the Emergency Response Plan for the fight against
the diseases of Annex I of the p.d. 138/1995 (A'88) (Decision 1747/386028/14.12.2023 FEK B΄ 7121 18.12.2023) and the relevant directions of the Local Center for Disease Control have been given.The necessary measures provided for in the above plan as well as the current Community legislation (By Authorization Regulation (EU) 687/2020) are namely:
Measures in the contaminated farm
- killing and sanitary burial of the animals.
Measures in the Trikala Regional Unit
- Demarcation of Protection and Surveillance Zones around infected breeding.
Measures in the above zones
- Conducting epidemiological research.By order of the Minister, Mr. Konstantinos Tsiaras, tomorrow 12 Jul 2024 a delegation headed by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food Mr. Christos Kella, the General Secretary of Rural Development and Food Mr. Giorgos Stratakos, the General Director of Veterinary Medicine Mr. Maki Alexandropoulos and the Head of the
Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Mr. Georgios Komitas, will meet with representatives of the Thessaly Region of the Veterinary Services of the Municipality of Trikala and local organizations of the breeders, in order to achieve the best possible coordination and the immediate implementation of measures to eradicate the disease."It is reminded that the plague virus of small ruminants is NOT COMMUNICABLE TO HUMANS AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PUBLIC HEALTH," the
announcement states.If any of our Greek Colleagues has more information they could share about this outbreak, including suspected origin and potential spread - that would be greatly appreciated.Paula Menzies
The WOAH announced that Peste des Petits Ruminants has for the first time in Greece, been diagnosed on July 11, 2024, (confirmed on real-time PCR) and reported on . The outbreak occurred in a mixed flock of sheep and goats in Thessaly, Greece (Kalambaka). The WOAH reports that 50 animals of 264 have died at last report. It is not known how the disease was introduced to Greece. This flock is not near a border region but in central Thessaly. PPR is mostly transmitted from other infected sheep and goats, but also possibly by fomites (e.g., contaminated livestock vehicles). It is much less likely that the infection came from wild ruminants in the region. The virus is fragile in the environment but can survive if chilled, e.g., in meat from infected animals. PPR has no carrier state but recovered animals can shed the virus up to 3 weeks. So to prevent spread of PPR in Greece, it is critical in my opinion that the source of this outbreak be found very soon. I am sure that the Greek government is working hard to do just that in order to re-establish Greece's negative status and to prevent risk to other European countries and loss of markets.
The complete WOAH report can be read here.
Promed posted news of this outbreak on July 13, 2024. It included a machine-translated report from e.thessalia.gr regarding the outbreak. I am copying and pasting it here.
Source: e-thessalia.gr [in Greek, machine trans., edited]
https://e-thessalia.gr/kroysma-panolis-se-aigoprovata-stin-kalampaka-stin-periochi-klimakio-toy-ypoyrgeioy-agrotikis-anaptyxis/
An outbreak of plague of small ruminants was detected and confirmed by the competent services of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in goat and sheep breeding in the Municipal Unit of Kalambaka, in the Municipality of Meteora, in the P.E. of Trikala.
From the competent veterinary services of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the local veterinary authorities of P.E. Trikala, all the necessary measures have been taken to deal with the disease, namely:
The National Center for Disease Control and the National Group of Experts for the plague of small ruminants at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food as well as the Local Center for Disease Control were activated to deal with the disease in P.E. Trikala as provided for in article 7 of the Emergency Response Plan for the fight against
the diseases of Annex I of the p.d. 138/1995 (A'88) (Decision 1747/386028/14.12.2023 FEK B΄ 7121 18.12.2023) and the relevant directions of the Local Center for Disease Control have been given.
The necessary measures provided for in the above plan as well as the current Community legislation (By Authorization Regulation (EU) 687/2020) are namely:
Measures in the contaminated farm
- killing and sanitary burial of the animals.
Measures in the Trikala Regional Unit
- Demarcation of Protection and Surveillance Zones around infected breeding.
Measures in the above zones
- Conducting epidemiological research.
By order of the Minister, Mr. Konstantinos Tsiaras, tomorrow 12 Jul 2024 a delegation headed by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food Mr. Christos Kella, the General Secretary of Rural Development and Food Mr. Giorgos Stratakos, the General Director of Veterinary Medicine Mr. Maki Alexandropoulos and the Head of the
Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Mr. Georgios Komitas, will meet with representatives of the Thessaly Region of the Veterinary Services of the Municipality of Trikala and local organizations of the breeders, in order to achieve the best possible coordination and the immediate implementation of measures to eradicate the disease.
"It is reminded that the plague virus of small ruminants is NOT COMMUNICABLE TO HUMANS AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PUBLIC HEALTH," the
announcement states.
Quote from Paula Menzies on 17-07-2024, 15:57Delia Lacasta has shared a link to a presentation given by Dr. Esmaieli from Iran to Spanish veterinarians on differential diagnosis of oral lesions in small ruminants. Dr. Esmaieli has generous agreed to allow Diplomates and Residents access to it. This might be particularly helpful in confirming suspect cases of PPR. The link is https://catedrananta.unizar.es/differential-diagnosis-oral-lessons-dr-esmaeili/
Delia Lacasta has shared a link to a presentation given by Dr. Esmaieli from Iran to Spanish veterinarians on differential diagnosis of oral lesions in small ruminants. Dr. Esmaieli has generous agreed to allow Diplomates and Residents access to it. This might be particularly helpful in confirming suspect cases of PPR. The link is https://catedrananta.unizar.es/differential-diagnosis-oral-lessons-dr-esmaeili/
Quote from Paula Menzies on 17-07-2024, 22:09One of our Diplomates in Greece, Athanasios I. Gelasakis, has shared the following with permission.
"Thanks for sharing the notification for the PPM outbreak in the ECSRHM forum along with some significant details regarding the disease; stamping out at this stage is critical given that Thessaly is at the center of Greece and top-listed with regard to the number of small ruminants. Local authorities are alerted, surveillance mechanisms have been activated and the preparedness level seems to be adequate to handle the situation at this stage. Therefore, we are optimistic that further transmission will be controlled, although this is a quite challenging task considering the transmission dynamics of the virus and the stocking rate of the region."
One of our Diplomates in Greece, Athanasios I. Gelasakis, has shared the following with permission.
"Thanks for sharing the notification for the PPM outbreak in the ECSRHM forum along with some significant details regarding the disease; stamping out at this stage is critical given that Thessaly is at the center of Greece and top-listed with regard to the number of small ruminants. Local authorities are alerted, surveillance mechanisms have been activated and the preparedness level seems to be adequate to handle the situation at this stage. Therefore, we are optimistic that further transmission will be controlled, although this is a quite challenging task considering the transmission dynamics of the virus and the stocking rate of the region."
Quote from Paula Menzies on 19-07-2024, 17:29Update on the PPR outbreak
There are now 6 flocks affected in total.
1 new case was reported yesterday (July 18). The outbreak began on July 15 on a sheep/goat mixed farm also in Kastraki region. As of reporting time of 560 animals there have been 40 cases and 15 deaths. Although this flock is in the same region, it is not a neighbouring farm to the other cases.
2 new cases reported today (July 19). One case began on July 16 on a goat farm also in the Kastraki region. As of reporting time, of 183 goats there have been 5 cases and 2 deaths. The second case is in a different region, Domeniko - it appears to be between 70 and 100 km travelling distance from Kastraki in a north-easterly direction. The sheep farm to date has of 410 animals had 50 cases and 9 deaths. Obviously this is of concern since it may represent a new cluster of cases. It is not know what the link is to the first cases in Kastraki or if it is linked to a yet undetected outbreak.
There is still no information on how the outbreak started in Greece. I am sure all attention is currently on surveillance and other control measures. At this point, the outbreak involves 2407 animals with 245 cases and 122 deaths. This underlines the pathogenicity and ease of transmission of this virus.
If anybody has further information on this outbreak, please add it to this forum topic or send to directly to me and I will post it.
Paula
Update on the PPR outbreak
There are now 6 flocks affected in total.
1 new case was reported yesterday (July 18). The outbreak began on July 15 on a sheep/goat mixed farm also in Kastraki region. As of reporting time of 560 animals there have been 40 cases and 15 deaths. Although this flock is in the same region, it is not a neighbouring farm to the other cases.
2 new cases reported today (July 19). One case began on July 16 on a goat farm also in the Kastraki region. As of reporting time, of 183 goats there have been 5 cases and 2 deaths. The second case is in a different region, Domeniko - it appears to be between 70 and 100 km travelling distance from Kastraki in a north-easterly direction. The sheep farm to date has of 410 animals had 50 cases and 9 deaths. Obviously this is of concern since it may represent a new cluster of cases. It is not know what the link is to the first cases in Kastraki or if it is linked to a yet undetected outbreak.
There is still no information on how the outbreak started in Greece. I am sure all attention is currently on surveillance and other control measures. At this point, the outbreak involves 2407 animals with 245 cases and 122 deaths. This underlines the pathogenicity and ease of transmission of this virus.
If anybody has further information on this outbreak, please add it to this forum topic or send to directly to me and I will post it.
Paula
Quote from Paula Menzies on 22-07-2024, 18:32The situation in Greece
There are now 7 outbreaks in Greece, 5 in the Kastraki region and 2 in the Domeniko regions. A total of 2418 sheep and goats are involved in the outbreaks with a report of 250 cases and 124 deaths. There is still no comment on the possible source of the outbreak.
The situation in Romania
A new outbreak has emerged in Romania involving 51,000 sheep of which 2028 have died. The location is in Baia. The outbreak started July 15, 2024 and was reported July 20, 2024. Baia is near the coast of the Black Sea. There is no information on the source of this outbreak or whether the outbreaks in Greece may be tied to it. This is a very serious development.
I encourage all Diplomates and Residents to be on the alert for reports of pneumo-enteritis syndrome and to recommend PCR testing for PPRV if this is encountered. It is possible that any European country could be at risk of bringing this disease across their border.
The situation in Greece
There are now 7 outbreaks in Greece, 5 in the Kastraki region and 2 in the Domeniko regions. A total of 2418 sheep and goats are involved in the outbreaks with a report of 250 cases and 124 deaths. There is still no comment on the possible source of the outbreak.
The situation in Romania
A new outbreak has emerged in Romania involving 51,000 sheep of which 2028 have died. The location is in Baia. The outbreak started July 15, 2024 and was reported July 20, 2024. Baia is near the coast of the Black Sea. There is no information on the source of this outbreak or whether the outbreaks in Greece may be tied to it. This is a very serious development.
I encourage all Diplomates and Residents to be on the alert for reports of pneumo-enteritis syndrome and to recommend PCR testing for PPRV if this is encountered. It is possible that any European country could be at risk of bringing this disease across their border.
Quote from Paula Menzies on 22-07-2024, 19:50Apparently the PPR outbreak in Romania is in a zoo. All sheep in this region will be destroyed (over 50,000 sheep) as a result. This from an on-line publication:
Plague of small ruminants (PPR) virus was detected in a zoo in Romania in the village of Baia (Tulca County), whose population of sheep totals 49,091, the National Veterinary and Food Safety Administration reported.
According to the current legislation, the local authorities decided to immediately slaughter all livestock on the territory of the zoo. A safety zone (radius 3 km) and a monitoring zone (radius 10 km) have been created around the outbreak, and measures have been taken to restrict the movement of people, animals and vehicles.
Apparently the PPR outbreak in Romania is in a zoo. All sheep in this region will be destroyed (over 50,000 sheep) as a result. This from an on-line publication:
Plague of small ruminants (PPR) virus was detected in a zoo in Romania in the village of Baia (Tulca County), whose population of sheep totals 49,091, the National Veterinary and Food Safety Administration reported.
According to the current legislation, the local authorities decided to immediately slaughter all livestock on the territory of the zoo. A safety zone (radius 3 km) and a monitoring zone (radius 10 km) have been created around the outbreak, and measures have been taken to restrict the movement of people, animals and vehicles.
Quote from Paula Menzies on 24-07-2024, 17:52The situation in Greece as of July 24, 2024
Unfortunately the news is not good. There have been several more outbreaks reported today. Of concern is that a new region is now affected - Chimadi, which is in eastern central Thessaly approximately 70 km driving distance from Domeniko, the second outbreak centre. A new outbreak at Mesochori is approximately 23 km driving distance from the first reported outbreak in Domeniko. In the same valley as Mesochori outbreak but closer to Domeniko, there are four more outbreaks at Amouri. In summary, there are 6 outbreaks in the Kalabaka (Kastraki) region, 6 outbreaks in the Domeniko / Mesochori / Amouri region and one outbreak in the Chimadi region. Event 5759 FR5 (followup report 5) can be downloaded here
On July 19, the European Commission has ordered a restricted zone around the outbreaks that assures protection, surveillance and restriction of movement of animals. This is in addition to what Greece has already imposed and is designed to prevent further spread of infection. At the time of issuing, the outbreak was restricted to the Kalabaka region. It seems likely to me that it will order further restrictions. As I become aware of this, I will provide information here. For more specific information, the Decision can be read in full here.
As of July 24, the 13 outbreaks are affected 4,246 sheep and goats with 564 cases reported and 126 deaths.
If any of our Greek colleagues wishes to comment on the situation in Greece, I greatly encourage them.
The situation in Romania as of July 24, 2024
WOAH reports 5 more outbreaks of PPR in Romania for a total of 6. WOAH is now identifying a slightly different location (outbreak 51119)- a large intensive sheep operation, as the first outbreak and the smaller property (the zoo) located on the shore as a new outbreak. Regardless, these locations are very close. The third outbreak in Baia is next door to the first outbreak.
However, there have been outbreaks outside of this cluster, i.e., at Sinhoe approximately 17 km south from the first outbreak, Babadag approximately 22 km north of the first outbreak, and Stejaru, approximately 17 km west of the first outbreak. Given the dispersion of new cases, I am guessing there will be more outbreaks in this region but let us hope not beyond.
The report Event_5776 FR1 is available here for download.
WOAH reports that of 99,393 sheep involved in the outbreak, there have been 2220 cases and deaths. Some of the farms appear to be quite large so it is likely that deaths will go up as preventing exposure in an intensive farming situation is next to impossible.
There is still no information on the source of the outbreak although given the location on the coast, one must consider illegal movement of animals from a PPR infected country arriving by boat. But infected animals may also have travelled by livestock vehicle or a contaminated vehicle was used to transport local sheep.
As with our Greek colleagues, if anybody has more information on the Romanian outbreak - or suspicions of outbreaks in other countries (pneumo-enteritis syndrome), please post so that we may share information.
The situation in Greece as of July 24, 2024
Unfortunately the news is not good. There have been several more outbreaks reported today. Of concern is that a new region is now affected - Chimadi, which is in eastern central Thessaly approximately 70 km driving distance from Domeniko, the second outbreak centre. A new outbreak at Mesochori is approximately 23 km driving distance from the first reported outbreak in Domeniko. In the same valley as Mesochori outbreak but closer to Domeniko, there are four more outbreaks at Amouri. In summary, there are 6 outbreaks in the Kalabaka (Kastraki) region, 6 outbreaks in the Domeniko / Mesochori / Amouri region and one outbreak in the Chimadi region. Event 5759 FR5 (followup report 5) can be downloaded here
On July 19, the European Commission has ordered a restricted zone around the outbreaks that assures protection, surveillance and restriction of movement of animals. This is in addition to what Greece has already imposed and is designed to prevent further spread of infection. At the time of issuing, the outbreak was restricted to the Kalabaka region. It seems likely to me that it will order further restrictions. As I become aware of this, I will provide information here. For more specific information, the Decision can be read in full here.
As of July 24, the 13 outbreaks are affected 4,246 sheep and goats with 564 cases reported and 126 deaths.
If any of our Greek colleagues wishes to comment on the situation in Greece, I greatly encourage them.
The situation in Romania as of July 24, 2024
WOAH reports 5 more outbreaks of PPR in Romania for a total of 6. WOAH is now identifying a slightly different location (outbreak 51119)- a large intensive sheep operation, as the first outbreak and the smaller property (the zoo) located on the shore as a new outbreak. Regardless, these locations are very close. The third outbreak in Baia is next door to the first outbreak.
However, there have been outbreaks outside of this cluster, i.e., at Sinhoe approximately 17 km south from the first outbreak, Babadag approximately 22 km north of the first outbreak, and Stejaru, approximately 17 km west of the first outbreak. Given the dispersion of new cases, I am guessing there will be more outbreaks in this region but let us hope not beyond.
The report Event_5776 FR1 is available here for download.
WOAH reports that of 99,393 sheep involved in the outbreak, there have been 2220 cases and deaths. Some of the farms appear to be quite large so it is likely that deaths will go up as preventing exposure in an intensive farming situation is next to impossible.
There is still no information on the source of the outbreak although given the location on the coast, one must consider illegal movement of animals from a PPR infected country arriving by boat. But infected animals may also have travelled by livestock vehicle or a contaminated vehicle was used to transport local sheep.
As with our Greek colleagues, if anybody has more information on the Romanian outbreak - or suspicions of outbreaks in other countries (pneumo-enteritis syndrome), please post so that we may share information.
Quote from Paula Menzies on 25-07-2024, 17:17The situation in Greece as of July 25, 2024
There are two more outbreaks reported in Greece for a total of 15. One is close to the outbreak in the east of Thessaly (just across a few fields) but the second appears to be a 4th region (Ochalia) - between Kalabaka and the Domeniko / Mesochori / Amouri outbreaks. This means that restriction zones are now required in 4 different regions of Thessaly - this must be a huge job for the Greek government. At this point, I have no information on the possible source or the epidemiology of the outbreaks. If anybody has this information, please contribute here to the forum or email me separately and I will post.
In these 15 outbreaks, 7776 sheep and goats are involved, with 647 cases and 128 deaths. I am not sure if these numbers get updated. If not, the actual losses may be much higher than this on affected properties.
The situation in Greece as of July 25, 2024
There are two more outbreaks reported in Greece for a total of 15. One is close to the outbreak in the east of Thessaly (just across a few fields) but the second appears to be a 4th region (Ochalia) - between Kalabaka and the Domeniko / Mesochori / Amouri outbreaks. This means that restriction zones are now required in 4 different regions of Thessaly - this must be a huge job for the Greek government. At this point, I have no information on the possible source or the epidemiology of the outbreaks. If anybody has this information, please contribute here to the forum or email me separately and I will post.
In these 15 outbreaks, 7776 sheep and goats are involved, with 647 cases and 128 deaths. I am not sure if these numbers get updated. If not, the actual losses may be much higher than this on affected properties.
Quote from Paula Menzies on 31-07-2024, 19:56The situation in Romania as of July 29, 2024
Two more follow-up reports have been issues by WOAH
FR-2 July 26, 2024
At this report, there are 10 new outbreaks for a total 17 outbreaks: Babadag (2) and Stejaru (8). The outbreaks in Stejaru are in close proximity to each other. A total of 108, 205 sheep and goats exposed with 2340 deaths reported.
FR-3 July 29, 2024
In this report, there are 15 new outbreaks for a total of 32 outbreaks: Mina Altan Tepe (1) (Stejaru region), Smardan (2), Stejaru (8), Vasile Alessandri (1) (Stejaru region), Babadag (1), Clopodia (1), Topalu (1). While most of the outbreaks are in the same community around Stejaru, there are outbreaks outside areas with previously reported cases. The outbreak in Topalu is about 90 km south of the initial outbreak and not adjacent to other outbreaks. But most concerning is that the outbreak in Clopodia is near the border with Serbia in western Romania where there have been 959 deaths in 12,500 animals. Let us hope that this does not spread across borders.
As of July 29, it is reported that 200,543 sheep and goats are exposed in these outbreaks with 4,514 deaths.
Do any colleagues have information on measures taken by Romania in controlling these outbreaks and preventing spread?
The situation in Romania as of July 29, 2024
Two more follow-up reports have been issues by WOAH
FR-2 July 26, 2024
At this report, there are 10 new outbreaks for a total 17 outbreaks: Babadag (2) and Stejaru (8). The outbreaks in Stejaru are in close proximity to each other. A total of 108, 205 sheep and goats exposed with 2340 deaths reported.
FR-3 July 29, 2024
In this report, there are 15 new outbreaks for a total of 32 outbreaks: Mina Altan Tepe (1) (Stejaru region), Smardan (2), Stejaru (8), Vasile Alessandri (1) (Stejaru region), Babadag (1), Clopodia (1), Topalu (1). While most of the outbreaks are in the same community around Stejaru, there are outbreaks outside areas with previously reported cases. The outbreak in Topalu is about 90 km south of the initial outbreak and not adjacent to other outbreaks. But most concerning is that the outbreak in Clopodia is near the border with Serbia in western Romania where there have been 959 deaths in 12,500 animals. Let us hope that this does not spread across borders.
As of July 29, it is reported that 200,543 sheep and goats are exposed in these outbreaks with 4,514 deaths.
Do any colleagues have information on measures taken by Romania in controlling these outbreaks and preventing spread?
Quote from Paula Menzies on 31-07-2024, 22:12The situation in Greece as of July 31, 2024.
As of July 29, it has been reported that Greece has banned all movement of sheep and goats from their farms in an effort to stop the spread of PPR. The Reuters article quotes Georgios Stratakos, a senior ministry official that 8,000 animals have been culled and more than 200,000 tested - mainly in central Thessaly. The article also says that epidemiological analysis of the cases is ongoing including the route of possibly suspect imports, so that the source of the outbreak can be determined.
FR 7 reports 3 new outbreaks including an outbreak in Falani, north of Larissa in eastern part of Thessaly in the same vicinity as other eastern outbreaks (15 - 20 km apart). Another outbreak in Sikourio is similarly in this region and is about 7 km from the other outbreaks. However, it also reports an outbreak in Mesino, in Peloponnese. This is the first outbreak reported outside Thessaly / Central Greece and so represents an important spread of infection.
FR8 reports 2 new outbreaks including another outbreak in Chimadi and Kalochori - both near other outbreaks in the Kalochori region.
FR9 reports 2 new outbreaks, both in the same region as those reported in FR8 - Kalochori.
FR10 again reports 2 new outbreaks. One outbreak is in Chimadi in the same region as outbreaks in FR8 and FR9. However, the other outbreak (outside Thessaly) is in Aspropyrgos (Attica), near Athens and so represents a significant new outbreak.
To date there are 24 outbreaks with 13,208 sheep and goats exposed, 1814 cases with clinical signs and 451 deaths. It would be good to get feedback from our Greek members on their experiences
There is speculation that the disease has come from a nearby country that is PPR infected. As previously mentioned, Turkey is in Stage 3 on the PPR GEP, which means it is in the eradication phase. There are no ongoing outbreaks with the last case reported in November 2023 and other outbreaks with end dates in February 2024. However, (thank you to Dr. Gonzalez Sainz for the information) European Commission ADIS reports 8 outbreaks in Turkey with the most recent on July 4, 2024. Dr. Gonzalez Sainz comments that as the last outbreak was declared on July 4th so they could be related to the trade of lambs with Romania. There is a significant trade in live animals between Romania and Turkey and perhaps the outbreaks in Greece could have the same origin or be the result of travel by people or means of transport contaminated from the areas with outbreaks in Turkey/Romania. This is a hypothesis.
Regardless of the source, these outbreaks show how vulnerable European countries are to this highly contagious disease. We must eradicate it from the world in order to be assured our animals are safe in the future.
The situation in Greece as of July 31, 2024.
As of July 29, it has been reported that Greece has banned all movement of sheep and goats from their farms in an effort to stop the spread of PPR. The Reuters article quotes Georgios Stratakos, a senior ministry official that 8,000 animals have been culled and more than 200,000 tested - mainly in central Thessaly. The article also says that epidemiological analysis of the cases is ongoing including the route of possibly suspect imports, so that the source of the outbreak can be determined.
FR 7 reports 3 new outbreaks including an outbreak in Falani, north of Larissa in eastern part of Thessaly in the same vicinity as other eastern outbreaks (15 - 20 km apart). Another outbreak in Sikourio is similarly in this region and is about 7 km from the other outbreaks. However, it also reports an outbreak in Mesino, in Peloponnese. This is the first outbreak reported outside Thessaly / Central Greece and so represents an important spread of infection.
FR8 reports 2 new outbreaks including another outbreak in Chimadi and Kalochori - both near other outbreaks in the Kalochori region.
FR9 reports 2 new outbreaks, both in the same region as those reported in FR8 - Kalochori.
FR10 again reports 2 new outbreaks. One outbreak is in Chimadi in the same region as outbreaks in FR8 and FR9. However, the other outbreak (outside Thessaly) is in Aspropyrgos (Attica), near Athens and so represents a significant new outbreak.
To date there are 24 outbreaks with 13,208 sheep and goats exposed, 1814 cases with clinical signs and 451 deaths. It would be good to get feedback from our Greek members on their experiences
There is speculation that the disease has come from a nearby country that is PPR infected. As previously mentioned, Turkey is in Stage 3 on the PPR GEP, which means it is in the eradication phase. There are no ongoing outbreaks with the last case reported in November 2023 and other outbreaks with end dates in February 2024. However, (thank you to Dr. Gonzalez Sainz for the information) European Commission ADIS reports 8 outbreaks in Turkey with the most recent on July 4, 2024. Dr. Gonzalez Sainz comments that as the last outbreak was declared on July 4th so they could be related to the trade of lambs with Romania. There is a significant trade in live animals between Romania and Turkey and perhaps the outbreaks in Greece could have the same origin or be the result of travel by people or means of transport contaminated from the areas with outbreaks in Turkey/Romania. This is a hypothesis.
Regardless of the source, these outbreaks show how vulnerable European countries are to this highly contagious disease. We must eradicate it from the world in order to be assured our animals are safe in the future.