Romanian sheep sector faces deep crisis after EU export ban

Romania, home to one of Europe’s largest ovine herds, is experiencing a severe downturn in its sheep industry. The European Commission suspended live‑animal exports to third countries following the detection of the so‑called “Pesta micilor rumegătoare” (small‑ruminant disease). The ban has caused prices to collapse and left farmers unable to sell their livestock.

Industry representatives warn that without government support the number of breeding animals could fall dramatically, potentially taking more than a decade to recover. Dan Dumitru of the Union of Sheep Breeders questioned, “What happens if the ban is not lifted and exports cannot resume this year?” He added that many farmers remain sceptical about the disease, fear economic loss from reliance on a single market, and cite misinformation as a barrier to vaccination.

The export restrictions also affect the profitability of investments made to fatten animals for sale, as many now exceed optimal weight for export. Stakeholders stress that a prolonged ban could reduce the national flock size and threaten the sector’s long‑term viability.