The infection has spread through feta cheese supplies (Image: Getty) A highly contagious 'goat plague' is currently wreaking havoc in Greece and Romania - but does it pose a threat to humans? The disease known as Peste des Petits Ruminants - or PPR - initially reared its head in Thessaly of northern Greece almost a month ago. Since then, it has rapidly spread from farm to farm and even neighbouring Romania, leading to the death of countless animals, according to reports . With the production of feta cheese and domestic livestock a key pillar of Greece's economy, security measures are now enforced to limit its alarming spread.
But that being said, you may wonder what this means for you? Despite its alarming death rate among sheep and goats, Dr Gareth Nye - a senior lecturer at Chester Medical School - claims there's no reason to panic about its impact on human health. In an exclusive interview, he told The Express: "Goat plague or its official name Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease which is known to be highly fatal in goats, sheep and other similar animals. READ MORE: Deadly ‘raccoon worms’ found in holiday destinations across Europe [HEALTH:] SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.
This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy "Crucially it is not infectious in humans and there.