Romania veterinary authorities issue sheep and goat pox warnings

Veterinary and Food Safety Directorates (DSVSA) in Romania are alerting sheep and goat farmers to the risk of spreading sheep and goat pox (VOC) following outbreaks in several counties. While the virus does not transmit to humans, it is highly contagious among livestock and can cause significant economic losses through animal mortality and restrictions on movement and trade.

In Gorj county, authorities reported that only 25,000 vaccine doses have arrived out of a required 155,000. Local officials plan to initiate procurement procedures to cover the remaining need for approximately 130,000 sheep and 25,000 goats. Vaccination efforts are expected to begin in the Runcu area to prevent secondary outbreaks, following previous difficulties in implementing control measures in certain localities.

In Botoșani, officials met with livestock associations to discuss the national epidemiological situation. Vaccination campaigns are currently underway in Constanța and Tulcea, while other counties will receive doses based on disease spread risk and availability. Farmers are advised to monitor for symptoms such as high fever, nasal and ocular secretions, mouth lesions, and diarrhea.