Greece Regains Official Status as Small Ruminant Plague-Free Country

Greece has officially regained its status as a country free from small ruminant plague (PPR), a significant achievement recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The disease-free status will be effective from August 18, 2026.

The WOAH's decision followed an evaluation of data submitted by the Greek veterinary authorities. The organization's Director General, Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, officially notified the Ministry of Rural Development and Food of the decision. Greece was found to meet the requirements of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, leading to the reinstatement of its "PPR-free country" status, now registered on the WOAH's official website.

WOAH specifically commended Greece for its transparency and efficiency in identifying and managing disease outbreaks. The organization highlighted the systematic efforts of various Greek veterinary services, regional authorities, and research institutions, including the University of Thessaly and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in controlling the highly contagious disease. This international recognition underscores the effectiveness of Greece's surveillance, control, and eradication measures.

The country had temporarily lost its disease-free status on July 12, 2024, after a PPR case was detected in Kastrakia, Kalambaka, Thessaly. Following the outbreak, Greece submitted a request for status restoration, which was then assessed by the WOAH's Scientific Committee. The reinstatement of the status confirms the success of the implemented measures and enhances Greece's international credibility in animal health.

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The decision of the World Organisation for Animal Health is a significant international recognition of the great effort made to combat small ruminant plague. Greece has regained its status as a disease-free country.