Farmer in Pieria Dies After Struggling With Grief From Livestock Loss
A 57 year old livestock farmer in Pieria died by suicide after being devastated by the mass culling of his animals following confirmed sheep pox cases. Family members said the emotional impact of losing his livestock had weighed heavily on him in the weeks before his death.
The tragedy came to light on Friday morning when his mother discovered him in the storage area of their home. Relatives explained that he had woken up as usual that day and eaten breakfast with his family without showing any indication of distress or intent to harm himself.
Friends noted that distressing images from the culling process had continued to haunt him. They said the scenes had left a deep psychological mark that he was unable to overcome.
His father described restless nights and intense sadness that had grown more visible in the days leading up to the incident. He recalled urging his son to stay strong but sensed that the burden had become unbearable.
The bond he had with his animals extended far beyond financial survival as he cared for them with dedication and viewed them as part of his family. Loved ones said the loss of his herd shattered him emotionally.
Similar incidents have been reported among livestock farmers facing mass culls with many expressing that state compensation often fails to cover the full extent of their damages. A previous case involved a farmer in Mikró Monastíri Thessaloniki who suffered a stroke upon learning that his herd would be culled.
