The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced today that so far 4 outbreaks of plague have been reported in the country, where a total of 716 small livestock have been affected.
In a report on the plague situation in the country and the plan of measures taken, the MARD reports that 25 heads have died and 153 small heads have been eliminated, a process that continues.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development considers plague of small ruminants (PPR) a serious, highly contagious viral disease, which has high mortality rates of up to 100% of the herd, causing economic losses, but does not affect health and is not transmitted to humans.
"The first confirmation of the disease in Albania was made on June 4, 2025, located in the village of Domen, Postribë administrative unit, Shkodër Municipality. Subsequently, the second case was confirmed on June 5 in the village of Vrenjt, Kastriot administrative unit, Dibër Municipality; the third case on June 9 in the village of Val, Martanesh administrative unit, Bulqizë Municipality; and the fourth case on June 11 in the village of Polenë, Administrative Center unit, Skrapar Municipality. The number of foci (clusters) reported to date is 716; dead, 153 heads; while the other heads are in the process of elimination.
The Ministry of Agriculture ensures that the necessary measures have been taken immediately to prevent and control the spread of the disease in the territory of Albania.
"Administrative Units and villages within the protection (3 km) and surveillance (10 km) zones have been identified. The Minister's Orders clearly stipulate that for every confirmed case of this disease, measures will be taken to restrict the movement of live animals," the announcement states.
Also, given the worrying situation and the spread of the disease in several foci, the ministerial order temporarily banning the movement of live sheep and goats in the territory of Albania has entered into force on June 9.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food announces that the trade of sheep and goats in live animal markets, open spaces, fairs and other gatherings is temporarily prohibited. "Only the movement of small animals to the slaughterhouse is allowed, accompanied by a veterinary health certificate, issued by the official veterinarian of the service. This measure is temporary in nature and has been undertaken in order to protect animal health, food safety and the interests of livestock farmers in the country," the announcement states.
As part of the measures taken, the National Veterinary and Plant Protection Authority has set up 39 control groups, monitoring to date 983 small farms, with a total of 164,803 heads of sheep and goats nationwide.
"The main goal of the field control groups is to monitor small livestock farms, identify the epidemiological situation in the field and determine the current stage of the disease, as a basis for further, targeted and effective interventions. During the monitoring, the control groups have increased farmers' awareness of the economic risk posed by this disease," the announcement continues.
The MAFRD also announces that the presence of the plague disease has been reported case by case to the European Union's Animal Disease Alert System (ADIS), and the Animal Disease Emergencies Office of the European Commission has also been contacted, which has expressed its readiness to respond to the MAFRD's request to send a technical mission to Albania.
"A meeting is being organized today and tomorrow at the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with the participation of two European Commission experts, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, AKVMB, ISUV and the Professional Order of Veterinary Doctors of Albania. Today, these representatives will conduct a field visit to one of the outbreaks where the presence of the disease has been confirmed. At the end of the visit, the EUVET Technical Mission of the European Commission will provide recommendations regarding the management of the situation and strategies for controlling the presence of Peste de petits ruminants (PPR) disease," the announcement continues.
This rapid and coordinated response with DG SANTE to the first case of PPR in our country, according to the MAFRD, "is an indicator of Albania's commitment to respecting European standards in the field of veterinary health and safety."
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development calls on all farmers to strictly implement biosecurity measures on their farms and to avoid any movement of animals outside the farm, implementing the rules in force and cooperating for a common good: the livestock economy in the country.
Likewise, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADRD) appeals to all farmers and stakeholders involved in the livestock sector to immediately contact the toll-free number 08003366 in case of any suspicious signs or deaths in livestock. (A2 Televizion)
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MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
