Greek Farmers Storm Regional Meeting Over Sheep and Goat Pox Outbreak

Tensions flared at the North Aegean Regional Authority's headquarters as farmers, angered by the devastating effects of sheep and goat pox, stormed a morning meeting.

Protesters are demanding swift action from both the regional authority and the government. Their key demands include immediate measures to control the disease's spread, financial support for producers hit hard by the outbreak, and a reliable supply of animal feed for farms that continue to operate.

The situation escalated when demonstrators attempted to enter the regional authority's building. After being initially blocked, a group of farmers forced their way inside, reaching the main meeting hall. There, they confronted the Regional Governor, Kostas Moutsouris, demanding concrete answers and immediate solutions to their plight.

The farmers also called for the removal of the Deputy Regional Governor for Primary Production, Anastasia Antanelli, and the resignation of the Director of the Veterinary Service. They accuse officials of delays and mishandling the crisis.

Producers claim a large number of animals have already been culled as part of disease control measures, resulting in substantial losses to their herds. Many farmers also report struggling to afford basic necessities for their livestock, particularly animal feed, while still burdened by loans and other financial obligations. They are calling for financial compensation, substantial support measures, and a clear crisis management plan, warning that without immediate intervention, many farms face permanent closure.

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Farmers are struggling to cover even the basic needs of their units, as they do not have the necessary money to buy animal feed, while they continue to be burdened by loans and other financial obligations.