Guidance

26 June 2025: Outbreak of sheep and goat pox in Romania

Updated 26 June 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/26-june-2025-outbreak-of-sheep-and-goat-pox-in-romania

1. Purpose 

To inform you that, following a recent outbreak of sheep and goat pox (SPGP) in Romania, imports of the following ovine and caprine commodities from Romania are prohibited:  

  • live sheep and goats 
  • ovine and caprine germplasm 
  • fresh and chilled (untreated) hides and skins derived from ovine and caprine animals 

2. Background 

Romania notified WOAH on 18 June 2025 of an outbreak of SPGP at a sheep holding in Dobrotesti that was confirmed on 17 June 2025.   

The following ovine and caprine commodities are already restricted from Romania due to an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) (see OVS note 2024/29): 

These commodities are now also temporarily restricted due to SPGP. 

The ‘live ungulates’, ‘ovine and caprine ova and embryos’ and ‘ovine and caprine semen’ lists were updated on 26 June 2025 to reflect that imports of live sheep and goats and their germplasm (ova, embryos and semen) are now additionally restricted for SPGP.  

In addition, the following safeguard measures were published on the Imports Topical Issues page on 26 June 2025 to reflect that imports of fresh and chilled (untreated) hides and skins are now additionally restricted for SPGP: 

  • Declaration of special measures: sheep pox and goat pox in Romania   

These TARP safeguard measures will apply from 27 June 2025 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended. Restrictions implemented via the approved country lists will continue to be apply until amended. 

 These SPGP-specific restrictions are needed to ensure comprehensive controls exist in case of future recognition of PPR-freedom in Romania.   

3. Actions for OVSs 

To note the contents of this OVS note.   

4. Contact point for enquiries 

Email:  imports@apha.gov.uk 

Imports and EU Trade Team 

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