North Macedonia sheep pox epidemic kills up to 10,000 sheep

An epidemic of sheep pox is causing a significant economic and social crisis for livestock farmers in North Macedonia. According to the Union of Sheep Breeders, between 7,000 and 10,000 sheep have died or been destroyed, affecting approximately 40 to 50 flocks and leaving dozens of families without their primary source of income.

The eastern part of the country is reported to be the hardest hit, though farmers in the southwestern region fear the disease may spread. Breeders are calling for urgent vaccination, stricter controls on animal movement, and improved compensation, expressing dissatisfaction with the current compensation rate of 100 denars per kilogram.

The Food and Veterinary Agency (AHV) has requested a donation of vaccines from the European Commission and Turkey. Once provided, the vaccines must undergo laboratory testing for safety and purity before an organized vaccination campaign can begin. Authorities have warned that unauthorized vaccination will be sanctioned and may result in the loss of compensation rights. In the meantime, the AHV is implementing containment strategies by removing infected animals and enforcing protective measures in confirmed hotspots.