Alarm grows in Greece over the spread of African swine fever

Alarm grows in Greece over the spread of African swine fever
Photo is illustrative in nature. From open sources.


On January 15 , 2024 , the National Reference Laboratory for ASF confirmed an outbreak of the disease in wild boar in the village of Lagadi in the municipality of Visaltia, regional unit of Serres. This case follows an outbreak of the disease among domestic pigs on two farms in Pagoneri, in the municipality of Kato Nevrokopi, regional unit of Drama.

Bulgaria, Greece's neighboring country, has also seen an increase in ASF outbreaks. From 01/01/2024 to 01/16/2024, 96 outbreaks of the disease among wild boars were detected in the country. Including seven secondary outbreaks were registered through the ADIS system of the European Commission in the Haskovsky (1), Kardzhali (1) and Smolyansky (5) regions.

In order to prevent the further spread of ASF, the Greek Ministry of Health and Social Services calls on the competent veterinary authorities of all regional divisions of the country to conscientiously implement the necessary measures. Health authorities emphasize the importance of passive surveillance and early detection of dangerous diseases.

African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease that can kill pigs within days. The virus is easily transmitted from animal to animal and can also be transmitted through contaminated meat products or clothing.

Due to the spread of ASF in Greece, farmers are advised to adhere to strict biosecurity measures, such as disinfection of premises and equipment, control of access to pig farms and timely vaccination of animals. Citizens should refrain from purchasing and consuming pork without veterinary control.

The Greek government has taken a number of measures to combat the spread of ASF, including establishing exclusion zones, seizing infected animals and carrying out disinfection work. Authorities are also conducting outreach to farmers and the public to raise awareness about the disease and precautions.

The situation with ASF in Greece remains difficult, but the authorities are taking all necessary measures to control and eliminate the disease. Farmers and citizens are advised to take precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.

Read together with it:

  • Spain strengthens institutional coordination to improve animal welfare management
    On Tuesday, the Council of Ministers, at the initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, approved the adoption of a royal decree that strengthens existing instruments to move towards "more effective" coordination between the various administrations involved in the application of rules to ensure the welfare of animals intended for agricultural purposes and aquaculture, and optimi...
  • Kirilenko spoke about the problems facing Russian teams after sanctions were lifted.
    The head of the Russian Basketball Federation (RBF) stated that FIBA ​​could make a final decision on the return of Russian basketball in April, but visa barriers remain the main problem. Andrei KirilenkoIn an interview with RBC Sport, Russian Basketball Federation (RBF) President Andrei Kirilenko discussed the possible return of Russian basketball to the international arena. He also cited visa an...
  • The Russian ambassador warned of a reaction to the Faroe Islands' change in stance on sanctions.
    Vladimir BarbinThe Faroe Islands' change in stance on sanctions against Russia will not go unnoticed by Moscow, Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin said in an interview with RIA Novosti. The statement was prompted by the Faroe Islands Parliament's decision to support sanctions against Russian fishing companies Norebo and Murman Seafood, as well as the Faroe Islands government's announcem...
  • The Ministry of Health has approved nine home treatment regimens for COVID-19.
    The Ministry of Health has approved nine outpatient treatment regimens for COVID-19 , which will be prescribed by a physician on an individual basis. Treatment should begin within the first week of the onset of symptoms, with antiviral medications.The Russian Ministry of Health has approved nine home treatment regimens for COVID-19. This is stated in updated clinical guidelines for the treatment o...
  • Robotic farms have opened in Udmurtia.
    The Progress agricultural production cooperative officially launched two modern robotic farms, each designed for 140 cows, and a facility for 300 calves. Vasily Muklin, Minister of Agriculture and Food of Udmurtia, attended the opening ceremony . "Progress is a leading enterprise in the region, steadily improving its performance. Today, we see a logical continuation of this trend. Currently, four ...
  • Apple shipments from Kabardino-Balkaria increased by 25%.
    According to the North Caucasus Interregional Office of Rosselkhoznadzor , apple deliveries to various regions of the country exceeded 165,000 tons in 2025. In 2024 , they totaled 132,500 tons. Along with the increase in volume, the geography of deliveries has also expanded: while apples were delivered to 49 regions in 2......
  • The first batch of fish products in 2026 was sent from the Irkutsk region to China.
    The products comply with all veterinary requirements and quality standards of Russian and Chinese legislation. According to Marina Kozharina, Acting Minister of Agriculture of the Irkutsk Region, fishery exports play a significant role in the region's achievement of the goals of the federal project "Export of Agricultural Products," which is part of the national project "International Cooperation ...
  • The growth in agricultural production in the Ivanovo region by 2025 amounted to more than 3%.
    The region is among the top ten leaders in the Central Federal District in terms of livestock production across all farm categories. According to preliminary data from Rosstat, the agricultural production index in Ivanovo Oblast in 2025 was 103.3% of the previous year, including 106.5% in crop production and 1......
  • In the Saratov region, over 400 hectares of perennial plantings were planted in 2025.
    Including more than 364 hectares of intensive orchards. By 2026, at least 300 hectares of perennial plantings are planned, including 65 hectares of fruit nurseries. The area of ​​perennial fruit plantings in farms of all categories in the region amounts to 9.8 thousand hectares, including 6.8 thousand hectares of fruit-bearing age. "Among the perennial plantings, pome fruits occupy 6.9 thousand he...
  • In the Novosibirsk region, a cow infected with rabies attacked a veterinarian.
    The Iskitim Central District Hospital reported this. A rabies epidemic has affected several regions, including the Krasnoyarsk Krai and Omsk Oblast. Rabid foxes typically attack people, but attacks by wolves and wild cats have also been recorded. Authorities have implemented quarantine measures. Nine people, including five children, who drank milk from the infected cow have been vaccinated. The cl...