First Detection of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Greece and Romania

Detection of PPR in Greece and Romania represents a significant geographical expansion of the virus within Europe. Greece and Romania were previously officially free of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), meaning that the disease had not been detected for at least 25 years.

This viral infection poses a significant threat to sheep, goats, and certain wild ungulates, with morbidity rates reaching 100% and mortality rates up to 80%. PPR therefore poses a severe risk to the agricultural sectors of these countries, particularly meat and dairy production, but is not transmission to humans.

Control measures, including zoning, movement restrictions, and increased surveillance have been implemented in both countries to help limit the spread of this virus. Epidemiological and laboratory investigations are also underway, with the aim of understanding the transmission pathways and extent of the virus’s circulation.

For further information, see: WOAH