Research and analysis

Risk assessment: peste des petits ruminants to Great Britain from EU and EFTA member states

A qualitative assessment of the risk of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) entering Great Britain from EU and EFTA member states, and of it then spreading.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 18 March 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Risk assessment on the likelihood of spread of peste des petits ruminants virus to Great Britain from EU and EFTA member states in June 2025 (executive summary)

HTML

Details

This risk assessment provides a qualitative assessment of the risk of susceptible species in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) becoming infected with peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) from affected regions of EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states through the movement of live animals, animal products and people.

The annual likelihood of PPRV being introduced into Great Britain through all pathways ranged from medium (event occurs regularly) to very low (very rare but cannot be excluded) with high uncertainty.

The annual likelihood of exposure is considered high with medium uncertainty, conditional on the (very low) likelihood of an infected animal or contaminated material (germplasm) entering Great Britain.

The potential consequences of a PPRV outbreak are considered major with medium uncertainty.

Published 18 March 2026