The number of sheep and goats that have been culled as part of measures to combat bluetongue has reached 486,300 between August 2024 and March 29, 2026, according to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the National Scientific Committee for Management and Control of Bluetongue in sheep and goats (EEEDEE).
Bluetongue in sheep: 2,144 confirmed cases
So far, a total of 2,144 confirmed cases of the disease have been recorded in 2,652 farms across Greece. During the period March 9-29, 2026, a total of 15 new cases were recorded. More specifically, three cases were detected in Aetolia-Acarnania, three in Achaea, two in Ilia, one in Evrytania, one in Thessaloniki, one in Kavala, one in Ithaca, one in Xanthi, one in Pieria, and one in Serres.
According to the announcement, during the period October 14, 2025 – March 29, 2026, 47,592 inspections have been carried out, 89 violations have been confirmed, and 88 arrests have been made. As noted, the data on the progress of bluetongue is constantly updated based on the submission of final data from Regional Units, and will be published on a regular basis for the complete and accurate information of producers and the public. Finally, it is emphasized that compliance with biosecurity measures is characterized as critical for containing the disease, with the competent Authorities stressing that producers must strictly follow the prescribed guidelines.
