MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Spread of sheep pox from the Evros region mainland to Samothrace and lack of preventive measures – E-000428/2025(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

Sheep pox and goat pox (SGP ) control measures at EU level are laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/429[1] and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687[2]. Additional measures for SGP in Greece are laid down in Implementing Decision 2024/2207[3].

EU measures in response to SGP outbreaks include the killing and disposal of all sheeps and goats in the affected establishments, as well as the establishment of rectricted zones around them, with movement restrictions for animals and products therof.

The size, the duration and the specific measures of each restricted zone are adapted so that they are proportionate to each epidemiological situation.

Since the confirmation of SGP in its territory, restricted zones have been established on the island of Samothrace, where exit and entry of sheep and goats are prohibited, to prevent the further spread of the disease to or from the island, to the rest of Greece or to other Member States or third countries.

The Commission is continuously monitoring the implementation of EU rules through audits and evaluating the control measures, ensuring they are risk-based and proportionate, in cooperation with Member States.

  • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/429/oj.
  • [2] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2020/687/oj.
  • [3] http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2024/2207/oj.
Last updated: 10 June 2025

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