Foot-and-mouth disease in Greece 2026: what changes for Spanish livestock farmers and importers

Key data

If you import or market live animals, animal products or genetic material from Greece, this regulation affects you now. Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1839, published on 28 July 2026, amends the emergency measures already in force since Decision 2026/820 and updates the conditions that must be met for all operations originating from areas affected by foot-and-mouth disease in Greece.

The regulation has direct effect throughout the EU from 23 July 2026, without any need for national transposition. This means that the obligations are enforceable now, regardless of what Spanish regulations say.

What does this regulation establish?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. The affected animals are:

• Cattle (cows, bulls, calves)
• Pigs
• Sheep
• Goats

Decision 2026/1839 amends Decision 2026/820, which was the original emergency regulation adopted when the outbreak was detected in Greece. This update may involve changes to the following elements:

As this is an amendment to a previous regulation, operators who had already adapted their processes to Decision 2026/820 must review whether the new changes alter the conditions under which they were operating.

Economic and operational impact

Foot-and-mouth disease has serious economic consequences for the livestock sector, as explicitly acknowledged by the regulation. For Spanish operators, the impact translates into three specific areas:

• Import blockade: Consignments of live animals or animal products from restricted areas of Greece may be detained or rejected at the border if they do not meet the new conditions.
• Review of contracts and supplies: Importers with existing supply contracts from Greece must verify whether suppliers are located within the updated protection or surveillance zones.
• Cost of certification and traceability: Operations that can continue will require additional documentation proving the origin and health conditions of the product, which generates administrative costs and possible logistical delays.

Non-compliance with restrictions not only exposes the operator to administrative sanctions, but can also result in seizure of goods and suspension of import activities until regulatory compliance is demonstrated.

Who does it affect?

• Spanish importers of live cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats) originating in Greece
• Traders and distributors of animal products (meat, dairy, derivatives) from Greece
• Livestock farmers purchasing breeding stock or genetic material (semen, embryos) from Greek farms
• Logistics operators and transporters managing the movement of animals or products from Greece to Spain or other Member States
• Official and private veterinarians certifying animal movements originating from affected areas
• Meat and processing industry using raw materials of Greek origin

Practical example

A Spanish meat company has a monthly supply contract with a sheep producer located in a region of Greece. Until now it operated under the conditions of Decision 2026/820. With the entry into force of Decision 2026/1839 on 23 July 2026, it must act as follows:

1. Verify whether the supplier farm is located within the protection or surveillance zones updated by the new decision.
2. If the farm is in a restricted zone, importation is suspended or subject to additional conditions until Greek and European authorities lift or modify the restrictions.
3. If the farm is outside restricted zones, it must obtain updated health documentation proving this before each shipment.
4. Communicate the situation to its purchasing department and review contracts to activate force majeure clauses if supply is blocked.

This same scheme applies to any operator working with cattle, pigs or goats, as well as genetic material of these species from Greece.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify the exact geographical origin of Greek suppliers: Check whether the farms or facilities of origin are within the protection or surveillance zones defined by Decision 2026/1839.
2. Review existing supply contracts: Activate force majeure or suspension clauses if the supplier falls within a restricted zone.
3. Contact health authorities: Consult the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or the competent regional authority to verify the updated status of restrictions.
4. Update health documentation: Ensure that all certificates and accompanying documents for shipments from Greece comply with the new conditions established in Decision 2026/1839.
5. Inform logistics and customs personnel: Those responsible for receiving goods must be aware of the new restrictions to avoid accepting non-compliant consignments.
6. Monitor outbreak evolution: Emergency measures can change rapidly according to epidemiological developments. Establish an alert system to detect new regulatory updates.

Official source

Consult full regulation at official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601839