Romania's ANSVSA warns illegal sheep transport is a major biological threat

The National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) has warned that illegal sheep transports represent the greatest biological threat to Romania. This warning comes amid the spread of Small Ruminant Pest (MPR) and Ovine and Caprine Pox (VOC).

ANSVSA President Alexandru Bociu stated that irresponsible actions by speculators are undermining official efforts and risking the collapse of the economic sector. He emphasized that strict technical and legal measures are necessary to isolate risks and protect healthy livestock populations.

Authorities noted that for sheep intercepted without documentation or ear tags, laboratory testing and quarantine are often ineffective. Because the animals lack a recorded history or vaccination status, and because the MPR virus can produce false-negative results in asymptomatic animals, the risk of spreading the disease remains high.