Over 500,000 animal deaths occurred due to sheep pox in mainland Greece.
85% confidence
AgricultureGreece
Omissions
The claim uses the term 'animal deaths' but the official figures refer to animals culled as part of disease control measures. The outbreak is technically caused by sheep and goat pox virus (LSDV), not just 'sheep pox'. The outbreak began in August 2024 and has affected both sheep and goats. The MEP specified 'mainland Greece' but the culling data covers the entire country.
Sources with publication dates after the session date (April 30, 2026) were used as they contain data from January 2026 or earlier, which the MEP could have reasonably known.
Sources
SecondaryTo Vima472,928 animals culled over the past 18 months according to official data
SecondaryGreek Reporter470,274 animals culled; 2,042 cases in 2,540 farms since August 2024