An epidemic of plague of small ruminants is spreading in Europe

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On July 11, 2024, a plague of small ruminants (peste des petits ruminants, PPR) broke out in Greece, in the region of Thessaly. Since then, the local authority has confirmed another 22 outbreaks. Based on the decision of the Greek Chief Veterinarian, all shipments of sheep and goats from the entire territory of Greece to EU member states are temporarily suspended. In mid-July, the PPR epidemic also broke out in Romania. The disease was diagnosed in sheep in the area of ​​the country bordering the Black Sea. Since the first case, Romanian authorities have verified 36 more outbreaks across the country, including in Temes County, which is closer to the Hungarian border.

PPR is one of the most contagious diseases of small ruminants, but it is not dangerous for other animal species and humans

Its appearance causes serious economic damage. It is crucial to prevent the introduction of the virus into our country, therefore, until further measures are taken, shipments of small ruminants (sheep, goats) cannot arrive in Hungary from Romania. At the same time, Dr. Pásztor Szabolcs, the national chief veterinarian, ordered an inspection of the small ruminant shipments that arrived from Romania this year, as well as an increased inspection of future transit shipments. The Hungarian animal health specialists also prioritize possible illegal animal transports, as well as carry out increased epidemiological control of sheep and goat shipments to Romania or Greece.

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