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

Key data

Spanish importers and livestock farmers operating with sheep and goats from Greece have an immediate obligation: to review whether their operations comply with the new requirements established by the Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1759. This regulation modifies Decision 2024/2207, which already established emergency measures in response to outbreaks of sheep and goat pox detected in Greek territory.

The regulation entered into force on 14 July 2026, two days before its publication in the EU Official Journal. Any movement of animals or derived products from affected areas of Greece to Spain—or other Member States—is subject to the new requirements from that date.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/1759 modifies the previous emergency regulation (Decision 2024/2207) that was activated in response to sheep and goat pox outbreaks in Greece. The updates focus on three key areas:

The regulation affects both the trade in live animals (sheep and goats) and derived products from restricted Greek areas. Traceability and health certification are the two main operational pillars on which compliance rests.

This decision is part of the EU's rapid response mechanism for transboundary animal diseases. Sheep and goat pox (Sheeppox and Goatpox) is a notifiable disease included in the list of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), which justifies the activation of emergency measures at European level.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact for Spanish operators is concentrated on three operational fronts:

• Health certification: Any movement of sheep and goats from restricted Greek areas requires updated health documentation in accordance with the new requirements. Certificates issued under the previous regulation (Decision 2024/2207) may not be valid if they do not include the revised conditions.
• Traceability: Operators must ensure that animals or products imported from Greece have complete traceability that proves their origin outside restricted areas, or that they meet specific requirements to leave them.
• Entry restrictions: Live animals and derived products from affected areas may be subject to entry restrictions into Spain. Non-compliance may result in goods being held at the border or at destination veterinary controls.

The main operational cost is not a direct fee or penalty established in this regulation, but the cost of adaptation: review of contracts with Greek suppliers, updating of certifications, possible delivery delays and costs of additional veterinary controls.

Who does it affect?

• Spanish importers of sheep and goat livestock from Greece, especially if they operate with areas currently under restriction.
• Spanish livestock farmers who acquire breeding animals or replacement stock of Greek origin.
• Traders and livestock market operators who act as intermediaries in the buying and selling of sheep and goats originating in Greece.
• Importers of derived products (milk, cheese, wool, hides) from farms in restricted Greek areas.
• Veterinarians and advisors to livestock farms who manage the health documentation of these movements.
• Hauliers and customs agents who manage the transit of live animals from Greece to Spain.

Practical example

A Spanish sheep importer who is scheduled to receive a batch of breeding ewes from a farm in northern Greece must, before authorizing shipment, verify two things:

1. Whether the farm of origin is within or outside the restricted areas updated by Decision 2026/1759. If it is within a restricted area, the movement may be prohibited or subject to additional requirements.
2. Whether the health certificate accompanying the batch complies with the new requirements established in the updated regulation, and not just those of Decision 2024/2207 that it modifies.

If the importer does not verify these points and the batch arrives in Spain with non-compliant documentation, it may face retention of the batch at the border inspection post or at the destination veterinary control, with the associated costs of storage, additional analysis and possible return.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify the exact origin of animals or products: Verify whether Greek suppliers are located in areas currently restricted by Decision 2026/1759. Contact the supplier directly or Greek veterinary authorities to obtain confirmation.
2. Review current health documentation: Check that health certificates for batches in transit or pending import comply with updated requirements, not just those of Decision 2024/2207.
3. Inform the official veterinarian or health advisor: Communicate the regulatory update to the veterinarian responsible for the farm or the advisor managing import documentation so they can adapt procedures.
4. Review contracts with Greek suppliers: Verify whether supply contracts include health compliance clauses that cover emergency regulatory changes like this, and whether it is necessary to renegotiate terms.
5. Consult with the Ministry of Agriculture or the competent regional authority: To obtain specific guidance on entry requirements into Spain for animals from affected areas, as practical application may vary.

Official source

Consult full regulation at official source

Disclaimer: 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_202601759