The Food and Veterinary Agency (AUV) of Kosovo has issued an urgent alert to all sheep and goat farmers, especially those near the border with Albania, following an outbreak of the highly contagious PPR disease (Peste des Petits Ruminants) commonly known as the Plague of Sheep and Goats in several areas of Albania.
PPR is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects small ruminants such as sheep and goats, posing a serious economic threat to agricultural livelihoods.
Key Instructions to Farmers:
The AUV urges farmers to take the following preventive measures:
❗ Avoid direct contact between your animals and any animals coming from Albania.
🐑 Closely monitor your flock for any signs of illness.
🏥 Immediately report any suspected symptoms to local veterinary officials. These may include:
High fever
Mouth sores
Discharge from eyes or nose
Sudden weakness or collapse
🚫 Do not introduce new animals into your flocks during this period.
“Implementing these measures is crucial to protect your livestock and prevent the spread of this dangerous disease within Kosovo,” the AUV emphasized.
The agency’s warning highlights the regional risk posed by transboundary animal diseases and the need for strict biosecurity, especially during outbreaks in neighboring countries.