Sheep and Goat Pox in Greece 2026: trade restrictions on sheep and goat affecting Spanish importers

Key data

Spanish importers and exporters operating with sheep and goats from Greece face active restrictions since 9 November 2026. Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2533 modifies the emergency regulation in force since 2024 —Decision 2024/2207— updating the zones where controls apply and the conditions under which livestock can be moved or derived products commercialized.

This is not a brand new regulation: it is a revision of measures already in place, which means that restrictions have been operational for some time and this update adjusts them to the current epidemiological situation in Greece.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/2533 updates two central elements of the previous emergency regulation (Decision 2024/2207):

• Restricted zones: The geographic perimeters in Greece where control measures apply are reviewed and updated. This may involve expansion, reduction or redefinition of affected areas based on the evolution of outbreaks.
• Movement conditions: The rules applicable to the movement of susceptible animals (sheep and goats) and their derived products within and outside restricted zones are modified.

The specific restrictions established by the emergency regulation affect:

• Movement of live animals of sheep and goat species from or through restricted zones.
• Intra-community trade in small ruminants from Greece.
• Export of live animals and derived products originating from affected zones.

Sheep and goat pox (Sheeppox and Goatpox) is a notifiable disease in the EU, with potential for rapid spread between herds. Emergency measures seek to contain active outbreaks in Greece and prevent the disease from spreading to the rest of Europe's livestock herd.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact for Spanish companies is concentrated in intra-community trade in small ruminants originating from or transiting through Greece. The most relevant operational consequences are:

• Import blockade: Live sheep and goat animals from restricted Greek zones cannot enter Spanish territory without meeting specific conditions or are directly prohibited.
• Restrictions on derived products: The regulation also affects derived products from animals in restricted zones, which may impact processing and marketing operations.
• Compliance costs: Companies with active supply contracts with Greek suppliers in affected zones must review the viability of those operations and, if necessary, seek alternative suppliers or renegotiate terms.
• Risk of border detention: Shipments that do not meet the new conditions may be retained or rejected in intra-community veterinary controls.

Since the regulation entered into force on 9 November 2026 —four days before its official publication on 13 November— there is a period of retroactivity that requires reviewing operations that may have been initiated between both dates.

Who does it affect?

• Spanish importers of live sheep and goat animals from Greece.
• Greek exporters and their commercial agents in Spain operating with small ruminants.
• Livestock farmers in restricted zones of Greece who need to move animals for sale, breeding or slaughter.
• Transport and logistics companies managing the movement of live animals or derived products originating in Greece.
• Processing industries (meat, dairy) using raw materials from Greek sheep and goats.
• Intra-community trade operators that include Greece in their small ruminant supply routes.

Practical example

A Spanish importer of lambs for fattening that has an active supply contract with a Greek farm located in a zone now included in the restricted zones updated by Decision 2026/2533 will find that this shipment cannot be executed under usual conditions.

The operator must: (1) verify whether the farm of origin is within the new restricted perimeter, (2) consult with the competent veterinary authority if there is any condition under which the movement may be authorized, and (3) if the movement is prohibited, activate the force majeure clauses of the contract or seek an alternative supplier outside the affected zones. The costs of this management —delays, search for alternatives, possible contractual penalties— fall directly on the importer.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your Greek suppliers are in restricted zones: Consult the full text of Decision 2026/2533 in the EU Official Journal to verify which geographic zones of Greece are included in the updated restricted perimeter.
2. Review active supply contracts: Analyze whether you have ongoing operations originating in Greece that may be affected by movement restrictions. Activate force majeure clauses if applicable.
3. Contact the competent veterinary authority: In Spain, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) is the reference body for consulting the conditions for importing live animals from restricted zones.
4. Review operations between 9 and 13 November 2026: The regulation entered into force on 9 November but was published on 13. Any movement made during that period must be verified to ensure compliance.
5. Seek alternative suppliers: If your usual operations are blocked, identify farms outside restricted zones or in other EU countries to ensure supply.
6. Keep documentation updated: Ensure that all health and traceability documentation of animals reflects the correct origin and complies with updated requirements.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in 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_202602533