Greece’s agricultural sector is at a critical juncture, as authorities are seriously examining the possibility of a lockdown that would cause significant damage to farmers. Cases of sheep pox in goats and sheep are increasing, leaving livestock farming just one step away from hitting rock bottom. Additionally, what concerns authorities both ethically and legally is whether biosafety measures were properly followed. In this context, it must be proven whether all biosafety measures were adhered to regarding the disease response.
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For this reason, the chief prosecutor of the Court of Appeals in Larisa has mobilized prosecutors from the First Instance Courts of the four prefectures of Thessaly. Lambros Tsiogas has ordered an urgent preliminary investigation. This investigation must primarily determine whether and to what extent the measures were followed. The second issue, which almost follows from the first, is to prove whether infected goats and sheep entered the food chain. If this has occurred, beyond identifying those responsible, a livestock lockdown would seem certain.
