A Feta Crisis: The Ripple Effects of Greece's Sheep and Goat Cull

The Alarm Bell for Greek Agriculture

As we enter an uncertain future, the traditional landscapes of Greece's pastoral beauty are transformed into tragic narratives. An outbreak of sheep and goat pox is forcing farmers to cull hundreds of thousands of animals, leaving a profound impact on feta cheese production—an essential component of Greek culture and economy.

The Culprit: A Viral Outbreak

Initially detected in northern Greece in August 2024, the disease's rapid spread has triggered alarm among farmers and authorities alike. By mid-November, about 417,000 sheep and goats were culled—a dire figure representing roughly 4-5% of the total flock. The government reported a total of 1,702 incidents, leading to the preventive culling of entire herds when a single case was identified on a farm.

“There is another farm two kilometers away. They had pox cases, but hid it,” revealed Anastasia Siourtou, a farmer and veterinarian devastated by the loss of her herd.

Financial and Emotional Toll

The financial ramifications are steep. Sheep's milk, crucial for making feta, is often called Greece's "white gold." Losing livestock translates not only to economic disaster but also to emotional trauma for farmers. Ms. Siourtou expressed her anguish, saying, "I felt that I failed to protect them.”

The Impact on Feta Production

Feta cheese is not just another food product in Greece; it's a symbol of heritage. The European Union has classified genuine feta as a protected designation of origin (PDO), meaning only cheese produced in certain regions of Greece can bear the name. Last year, Greece exported €785 million worth of feta, highlighting its significance. As milk availability dwindles due to the cull, we're likely to see shortages in feta and price increases—if the outbreak is not swiftly contained.

“The limited amount of available milk increases production costs,” warned Professor Dimitris Gougoulis from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Thessaly.

A Call for Action

The government faced criticism for its late response to the outbreak. A National Scientific Committee for the Management and Control of Sheep and Goat Pox was not formed until late October 2025—over a year after the first case appeared. Critics argue that better oversight could have mitigated the situation.

Grassroots Movements and Future Resilience

Despite the challenges, the resilience of farmers shines through. Many are calling for vaccination—a remedy employed effectively in neighboring countries like Bulgaria. Yet, government officials remain hesitant, fearing that mass vaccination may classify Greece as endemic, jeopardizing feta exports. The urgency for a sustainable and effective intervention cannot be overstated.

Voices from the Field

In conversations with local farmers like Tassos Manakas and Haris Seskliotis, the sense of loss resonates deeply. Mr. Manakas's 873-strong herd was culled back in October. “The shop is closed,” he lamented, illustrating the broader economic implications of this crisis. Mr. Seskliotis, who has faced multiple setbacks including past floods, remains undeterred, contemplating the establishment of a calves unit for diversification.

A Shared Responsibility

This situation highlights a broader systemic issue within Greece's agricultural framework. Outdated farming standards—some operations still resemble those from the 1960s—can exacerbate crises like this. Ensuring better biosecurity measures and veterinary resources is imperative for safeguarding the future of Greece's feta and its farmers.

Final Thoughts

This dilemma is far from over. The ripple effects of a mere virus extend beyond the farms, impacting economies, cultures, and culinary traditions. As we navigate this crisis, it's essential to recognize that the fate of Greece's iconic feta cheese hangs delicately in the balance, caught between the hands of tradition and the harsh realities of modern agricultural challenges.