ANSVSA: Romania’s sheep exports could resume by the end of the year, following the national vaccination campaign

Romania’s sheep exports could resume by the end of the year, after the completion of the national vaccination campaign against sheep pox and peste des petits ruminants, ANSVSA President Alexandru Bociu said on Wednesday.

Vaccination is expected to begin around October 1 and be completed within 30–45 days. In Constanța and Tulcea counties, the vaccine against peste des petits ruminants will also be administered. Subsequently, Romania will be audited by representatives of the European Commission, a stage considered essential for unblocking exports.

At present, the country has approximately 1.3 million doses provided free of charge by the European Commission, while the requirement is estimated at around 11 million doses. Vaccination will be free for farmers, and the authorities are seeking to quickly procure the remaining doses, including through direct agreements between governments. The European Commission could cover approximately 30% of the costs.

ANSVSA says that resuming exports is important for the sheep sector, with Romania having active markets in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The restrictions do not affect trade in meat, carcasses, milk and dairy products originating from disease-free zones.