The European Commission has decided to extend by three months the ban preventing the export of sheep and goats from Romania to other Member States of the Union, with the measure now valid until 31 December 2025.

Initially, the restriction had been set until 30 September 2025, but in the absence of clear epidemiological data on the evolution of peste des petits ruminants, it was considered necessary to prolong it. In the official text of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/638, Article 1(c) was amended, replacing the date “30 September 2025” with “31 December 2025.”

The European Commission’s justification emphasizes that the information available on disease surveillance – in Bihor County and in the rest of the country – is insufficient to credibly assess the current epidemiological situation regarding peste des petits ruminants virus infections. Thus, the ban on the movement of sheep and goats, from the entire territory of Romania to other Member States or through them in transit, was still deemed justified.

Which exports remain permitted

Even though live animal exports remain restricted, Romania is still entitled to market within the EU sheep and goat meat (fresh or frozen), as well as meat products derived from these species.

Risks and context

The disease known as peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious infection that can have a significant impact on infected animals and on livestock sectors. In the event of an outbreak, there is a major risk of spreading to other sheep or goat farms, which justifies the restrictions on transport and export.

(Photo: Freepik)