The number of small ruminant plague cases in Greece has risen to 35, following recent results from inspections carried out by Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

According to ministry, new cases have been identified in livestock units in Vartholomio and Nemouta in Ilia as well as in Vonitsa. Results are still pending for samples from a livestock unit in Komotini.

So far, outbreaks have been confirmed in 35 farms across Greece. Official figures indicate that approximately 13,000 animals have been culled to date with this number expected to rise as the situation develops.

On Thursday, Thessaly Regional Governor Dimitris Kouretas provided an update to the regional council on the operation aimed at controlling and eradicating the plague. Kouretas noted that tracing for the plague has been completed and expressed optimism that Thessaly will be lifted from monitoring by the end of the month. He also mentioned that the surveillance was conducted within 15 days and that there are seven identified hotspots.