Romania manages sheep pox outbreaks and dairy regulation concerns

Authorities in Romania are managing sheep and goat pox outbreaks, which have led to discussions regarding livestock vaccination and traditional food production. A recent outbreak was confirmed in a non-professional farm in Nistria, Boghicea commune, Neamț County, following a previous outbreak in Iași County. Sanitary-veterinary measures are being implemented to control and eradicate the disease, including area isolation and potential animal culling if the disease spreads.

Regarding the impact on the dairy industry, claims that the European Commission is banning the traditional production of sheep cheese (telemea) due to vaccination requirements are inaccurate. While current EU legislation stipulates that milk from vaccinated animals must undergo thermal treatment (pasteurization) to be used for exportable products—preventing the use of raw milk in traditional methods—the European Commission is reportedly working on technical rule modifications. These changes aim to allow animal vaccination without stripping farmers of the right to market their traditional products.