Greece has officially regained its status as a country free of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), effective from 18 August 2026, following a decision by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recognising the successful eradication of the disease after the Greek veterinary authorities submitted a relevant request.
The decision was officially communicated to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in a letter from WOAH Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, following an assessment by the Organisation’s Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases of the data submitted by the Ministry’s Directorate-General of Veterinary Services.
According to WOAH, Greece meets the requirements set out in Article 14.7.7 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, leading to the restoration of its officially recognised “ PPR-free country” status. The restoration of the status has also been recorded on WOAH’s official website.
Of particular significance is the international organisation’s explicit recognition of Greece’s handling of the disease. WOAH commended Greece for the transparency and effectiveness it demonstrated in detecting the disease and successfully managing the outbreaks, as well as for restoring its official disease-free status.
