Rapid spread of sheep pox across Greece and unjustified delays in compensation

Question for written answer E-001427/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

There has been a massive surge in cases of sheep pox in Greece, leaving understaffed veterinary services unable to keep up with immediate culling needs, which has led to the further spread of the disease.

Can the Commission answer the following:

• 1.Since veterinary services have taken a considerable amount of time (in some cases up to 30 days) to cull pox-infected animals, why is there no provision for compensation for sheep that have died of pox in the time between the positive laboratory test result and their mandatory culling?
• 2.What provisions are in place for holdings dealing with pox virus infections for the period of time that must elapse after infected animals are culled before restocking with new animals is permitted?
• 3.How long after the date of culling must compensation be paid to the farmer for the animals culled due to pox?

Submitted: 8.4.2026