Macedonia's scrapie outbreak spreads to 10 new farms

In early July, Macedonian authorities confirmed ten new scrapie outbreaks in sheep and goat farms, bringing the total to 17 affected sites and more than 2,700 infected animals. The new cases were identified in the villages of Sasa (Macedonska Kamenica municipality), Skolarci (Ceshinovo‑Obleshevo), Bigla (Delčevo), Malino and Kosevica (Sveti Nikole), and Sopot (Kumanovo). The disease was first detected in January in Lopat village, Kumanovo municipality.

The Agency for Food and Veterinary (AHV/AUV) has already culled over 1,400 animals and will continue depopulation in the newly confirmed locations once burial sites are approved. Movement of sheep and goats is restricted to approved cases, and strict bio‑security measures—including disinfection, protective clothing, and record‑keeping—are enforced. The agency stresses that scrapie does not pose a risk to human health. Meetings with sheep‑breeder associations have been held to discuss the epidemiological situation and control measures, and vaccination is being evaluated as an additional tool.

All affected farms are subject to animal health inspections, testing of carcasses, and containment of potentially contaminated waste, milk, and feed. The government's response aims to limit economic losses in the livestock sector and prevent further spread of the disease.