North Macedonia announces compensation for sheep pox outbreak

Borçe Serafimovski, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, has announced a compensation methodology for livestock breeders following a sheep pox outbreak. The disease has resulted in the deaths of approximately 10,000 sheep.

To combat the spread, 450,000 vaccines for sheep and goats have been secured from the European Union, and authorization for their use has been granted. The Minister noted that the situation has stabilized, with the spread currently limited to the Eastern Region.

Next week, the ministry will meet with livestock representatives to coordinate future steps, including potential vaccination programs. Due to regulations, livestock cannot be kept in the affected areas for at least six months, prompting the government to seek ways to assist breeders in purchasing new animals.