Gov’t announces €56 mln support package for farmers hit by sheep pox

The government has announced new support measures for livestock farmers affected by recent outbreaks of sheep pox are now coming into force, activating a €56 million aid package financed through the state budget.

The interventions aim to provide immediate relief to producers who have suffered heavy losses to their herds and faced increased feed costs due to the crisis.

The package includes €28.5 million in income compensation for animals that were culled, set at €70 per sheep or goat over six months old and €35 for lambs or kid goats under six months old or breeding rams or goats over six months old. A further €27.5 million will be allocated through a 50% extension of previously granted feed-support payments.

The relevant ministries are working to ensure that emergency compensation is paid by the end of the year.

Authorities note that €48 million has already been transferred to regional governments for animal-slaughter compensation, with another €20 million to follow shortly. Additionally, €45 million has been paid for animal-feed support, with around €10 million pending final checks.

Altogether, total state support linked to the outbreaks is expected to exceed €180 million.

Since the first sheep pox case in August 2024, authorities have culled 417,365 sheep and goats and closed 2,135 farms through mid-November 2025.