Greek Feta Crisis: Sheep Pox Threatens 'White Gold' Industry

Greek Livestock Sector on Brink as Sheep Pox Spreads Rapidly

Greece's agricultural sector is facing an unprecedented crisis as a highly contagious sheep and goat pox virus spreads across the country, threatening the very foundation of the nation's prized feta cheese industry. Since the first cases were detected in August 2024, over 470,000 animals have been culled and more than 2,500 farms have been shut down, according to recent reports from Politico.

The situation has become so dire that Greek farmers have been blocking national highways for forty days, demanding immediate mass vaccination campaigns. 'If immediate action is not taken, feta will become a luxury item,' warned a Greek sheep farmer in an interview with Politico.

The Economic Stakes: Feta as 'White Gold'

Feta cheese isn't just a culinary staple for Greece—it's an economic powerhouse. Approximately 80% of Greek sheep and goat milk goes directly into feta production, with the country exporting over €785 million worth of the cheese in 2024 alone, according to Greek City Times. The industry has seen a remarkable 700% growth in exports over the past decade, earning it the nickname 'white gold.'

Greece produces more than 97,000 tons of feta annually, with two-thirds destined for international markets. The cheese holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning only cheese made in specific Greek regions using traditional methods can legally be called feta.

The Viral Threat: Understanding Sheep Pox

Sheep pox, caused by the Capripoxvirus, is one of the most severe animal pox diseases with significant economic consequences. According to Wikipedia, the virus is highly contagious and spreads through aerosols, direct contact, contaminated equipment, and insect vectors. When a single case is detected, international agricultural regulations require the entire herd to be culled to prevent further spread.

The virus causes symptoms ranging from skin lesions and fever to respiratory distress and can be fatal, particularly in young and lactating animals. 'This disease is not leaving Greece; it has come to stay and without vaccination it will not disappear,' said George Terzakis, president of a local livestock association in Thessaly.

The Vaccination Debate: Science vs. Economics

The Greek government's refusal to implement mass vaccination has become the central point of controversy. While the European Union recommends vaccination and even offers to cover costs, Greek authorities fear that vaccinating would classify Greece as an endemic country for sheep pox, potentially damaging feta exports.

Greek Agriculture Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras has argued that vaccination could harm exports as other countries might fear importing products from a country where the disease is endemic. However, this position has drawn criticism from scientists and farmers alike.

'There is no approved vaccine in Greece,' stated Charalampos Billinis, rector of the University of Thessaly and member of the government's scientific committee for managing sheep pox. 'And there is no approved vaccine in the European Union.'

According to EU regulations, vaccines approved in other parts of the world can be used in emergency situations when animal diseases reappear within the EU. The European Commission maintains that vaccination is the recommended approach based on epidemiological evidence.

Farmer Desperation and Illegal Vaccinations

Frustrated by government inaction, some farmers have taken matters into their own hands. The Greek government estimates that approximately one million illegal vaccine doses have been administered by desperate farmers sourcing vaccines from neighboring countries.

The compensation offered to farmers—averaging around €250 per culled animal—falls far short of market value, leaving many facing financial ruin. Balkan Insight reports that five farmers have died from heart attacks after being forced to cull their entire herds.

Global Implications and Future Outlook

The crisis extends beyond Greece's borders. As the world's primary producer of authentic feta, any disruption in Greek production could lead to global shortages and price increases. Major importers like Germany, France, and the United States could see reduced availability of genuine Greek feta.

The Thessaly region, which produces nearly half of Greece's soft cheese, has been particularly hard hit with over 160,000 animals culled and losses estimated at €500 million—one-third of the region's agricultural income.

As the standoff between farmers and government continues, the future of Greece's 'white gold' industry hangs in the balance. With farmers vowing to continue protests until vaccination campaigns begin, and the government concerned about export implications, a resolution seems increasingly urgent to prevent permanent damage to one of Greece's most valuable agricultural sectors.