Greece culls 488,000 sheep, goats, raising feta prices by 20%

Greece has culled nearly 488,000 sheep and goats to combat a severe outbreak of sheep pox, significantly impacting the country’s feta cheese production. This drastic measure threatens to inflate prices and disrupt the $1 billion feta industry, which is a staple of Greek cuisine and a key export.

The current culling is a response to an outbreak that has put immense pressure on livestock farmers. Sheep pox is a viral disease that can spread rapidly among flocks, leading to severe illness and high mortality rates. The Greek government, facing the dual challenges of ensuring food safety and protecting the livelihoods of farmers, deemed this action necessary to prevent further losses. The timing is critical, as Greece approaches the high-demand tourist season when feta sales typically peak.

As a result of the culling, milk supplies for feta cheese are dwindling, leading to rising prices both domestically and internationally. Reports indicate that feta cheese prices have surged by up to 20% in recent months. This price increase not only affects consumers but also poses a significant challenge for producers who rely on consistent milk supplies for their operations. Farmers are now facing uncertainty about their future, as the culling disrupts the production cycle and affects overall herd viability.

Looking ahead, the Greek government is working to contain the outbreak and support affected farmers through financial assistance and veterinary services. However, the full impact of the culling on the feta market may take months to materialize. If the disease spreads further or if recovery efforts fall short, consumers could face even higher prices, and the cultural significance of feta as a key element of Greek identity may be at risk.