Plague of small ruminants does not pose a danger to humans, although it is extremely contagious to sheep and goats.
Several sheep were buried alive in an attempt to control an outbreak of plague of small ruminants in the Thessaly region of Greece.
According to the agency France-Presse (AFP), the veterinarian responsible for this action was fired.
“We received a complaint that animals were being buried alive in the [disease control] process”, explained the region’s governor, Dimitris Kouretas.
“This deserves further investigation. For this reason, I replace the veterinarian” in question, added the person in charge.
According to authorities, experts are trying to contain an outbreak of this rinderpest and goat fever that was detected this month near the city of Trikala.
The disease is known as plague of small ruminants and is highly contagious for sheep and goats, but does not affect humans. The animals’ meat and milk will also be safe for consumption, experts assured.
The Greek Ministry of Agriculture said that this was the first time that the disease had been detected in the country and that more than 2,400 animals had been slaughtered since the first case was detected, on July 11, near the city of Kalabaka.
Leave a Reply