Sheep and Goat Pox in Greece 2026: What Importers and Livestock Farmers Must Do

Key data

Spanish importers and exporters of sheep and goats with commercial activity linked to Greece have an immediate obligation: to verify that their operations comply with the updated requirements set out in Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/603. This regulation amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207 and adjusts the emergency measures against sheep and goat pox in Greek territory.

The regulation entered into force on 12 March 2026, twelve days before its official publication on 24 March. Any movement of animals or derived products carried out from that date must comply with the new requirements.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/603 updates the framework of emergency animal health measures applicable in Greece against sheep and goat pox. The key elements it amends with respect to Decision 2024/2207 are as follows:

The objective of the measure is to contain the spread of sheep and goat pox within the framework of EU animal health legislation and to protect the European livestock population against the spread of the disease from Greece to other Member States.

Economic and operational impact

Emergency animal health restrictions have direct consequences on the commercial operations of any company working with sheep or goats of Greek origin:

• Shipment blockages: Movements of live animals or derived products that do not meet the new certification requirements may be stopped at the border or at internal EU controls.
• Certification costs: Operators must obtain and manage updated animal health documentation for each operation, which entails administrative costs and potential logistical delays.
• Contract review: Supply or purchase contracts with Greek counterparts may be affected if movement conditions or zones of origin become restricted by the regulatory update.
• Traceability: Updated certification requirements demand greater documentary control over the origin and health status of animals and products.

The regulation does not establish specific financial penalties in the available text, but failure to comply with animal health conditions may result in the immobilisation of goods, return of shipments and the opening of sanctioning proceedings by the competent authorities of each Member State.

Who is affected?

• Spanish livestock farmers who import breeding stock, lambs or kids of Greek origin
• Spanish exporters who sell sheep or goats to Greece or transit through Greek territory
• Importers of sheep and goat derived products from Greece (milk, cheese, meat, wool, hides)
• Logistics operators and carriers managing movements of these species to or from Greece
• Official veterinarians and animal health services certifying operations with Greece
• Advisors and consultants to companies in the livestock sector with activity in the Greek market

Practical example

A Spanish company importing goat's milk cheese from Greece has a monthly supply contract with a producer located in a Greek region. Following the entry into force of Decision 2026/603 on 12 March 2026, it must verify whether the Greek producer's zone of origin is included in the zones affected by the new restrictions.

If the zone is subject to updated restrictions, the company must require its supplier to provide updated animal health certification in accordance with the new requirements before authorising the next shipment. If the shipment was already in transit on 12 March without the correct documentation, it may face additional controls at destination and possible delays in receiving the goods.

The same scenario applies to a livestock farmer from Extremadura who has purchased breeding sheep in Greece and is awaiting delivery: they must confirm with the Greek seller and the official veterinarian that the movement documentation complies with Decision 2026/603 and not only with the previous Decision 2024/2207.

What should businesses do now?

1. Identify whether you operate with sheep, goats or their derivatives to or from Greece: Review your supplier and customer portfolio to detect any commercial link with Greece involving these species.
2. Verify zones of origin: Check with your Greek supplier whether the production or farming zone is included in the zones affected by the updated restrictions in Decision 2026/603.
3. Update animal health documentation: Require animal health certificates compliant with the new requirements for all movements of animals or derived products carried out from 12 March 2026.
4. Review supply contracts: Check whether existing contracts with Greek counterparts include clauses for adaptation to animal health regulatory changes and act accordingly.
5. Coordinate with the official veterinarian: For import or export operations involving live animals, confirm with the responsible official veterinarian that certification procedures are aligned with the updated regulation.
6. Consult the official source: Access the full text of Decision 2026/603 on EUR-Lex to verify the exact details of the applicable zones and conditions.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026D0603