Livestock diseases impact Romanian farming sector

Romania is facing increased pressure in its livestock sector due to the spread of animal diseases. In Buzău county, three new outbreaks of African swine fever were confirmed between September 4 and September 8, 2026, in the non-professional holdings of Ziduri, Săgeata, and Padina.

These new cases bring the total to five confirmed outbreaks in the county since late August, resulting in the death or culling of 23 pigs. The Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate of Buzău has implemented measures to limit the spread, including the establishment of protection and surveillance zones around the affected farms.

Separately, veterinary experts are warning of risks to the sheep sector. The emergence of small ruminant plague and sheep and goat pox poses a threat to breeding stock. Experts emphasize that stricter animal movement controls, improved traceability, and potential vaccination are necessary to prevent long-term damage to the national sheep population and to meet European Commission standards for disease management.