A scandal has erupted in Greece over attempts to control the small ruminant plague on sheep farms, after it emerged that the Governor of Thessaly had contacted prosecutors to launch an investigation into the possible burial of sheep that had been buried alive.

The disease, which is believed to have been introduced into Greece this time from other countries, is primarily affecting sheep and goat flocks.

The live sheep were reported to the authorities by a resident and the Governor referred the matter to the Public Prosecutor's Office. The former head of the regional veterinary service is facing disciplinary proceedings.

More than 2 400 sheep have already been slaughtered in Thessaly as a result of the so-called sheep plague and local slaughterhouses have been closed.

The disease is not dangerous for humans and pasteurised meat and milk are also safe.

Specialists are still making assumptions about the introduction of the disease. Greek farmers increased imports of livestock from the European Union and other countries last year when herds were decimated by Hurricane Daniel. Tens of thousands of sheep and goats died in the floods.