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Peste des petits ruminants outbreaks hit Greece and Romania
Both Greece and Romania have seen thousands of cases since July.
The risk to Great Britain is currently considered very low.

Greece and Romania are currently experiencing outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), the first time the disease has been detected in the EU since 2018.

Greece reported its first case on 8 July and Romania on 15 July. As of 9 August, Greece has seen 47 outbreaks, totalling more than 2,000 cases, and Romania has reported 56 outbreaks, totalling over 5,000 cases.

Control measures have been implemented in both countries, including movement restrictions, increased surveillance, and preventative culling. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has established a PPR vaccine back to support vaccination efforts to control and eradicate the disease in the affected countries.

A viral infection, PPR affects sheep, goats, and some wild ungulates. It has mortality rates of up to 80 per cent. Transport of live infected animals is considered to be the main risk factor for its spread.

The disease is currently the focus of global eradication efforts. WOAH and The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have set a target of 2030 for eradication.

There were outbreaks earlier this year in the Caucasus region, with both Turkey and Georgia affected. In recent years the virus has also been detected in various countries in the Middle East, including Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

An outbreak assessment, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5 August, stated that the risk of the EU outbreak to Great Britain is considered very low.

The UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance has introduced a temporary suspension of imports of live sheep and goats, germplasm, raw milk and raw milk products, and untreated hides, skins, wool and hair from sheep and goats from Greece and Romania.

Image © Shutterstock

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.