Ministry: Sheep and goat pox outbreaks reduced from 30 to 11; 500,000 vaccines from Turkey being coordinated

The number of active sheep and goat pox outbreaks in North Macedonia has fallen from 30 to 11, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy announced, while authorities maintain a high level of vigilance.

The ministry said it is coordinating the delivery of a donation of 500,000 vaccine doses from Turkey as part of the prepared response.

Coordination and next steps

"The secured 500,000 doses of vaccines against sheep and goat pox, as a donation from the Republic of Turkey, remain part of the prepared institutional response for possible vaccination. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy and the Agency for Food and Veterinary are in direct coordination with the Turkish side, and the public will be informed after all necessary procedures and steps for their delivery are completed. At the same time, the measures being implemented to suppress sheep and goat pox are showing results, namely the number of outbreaks has decreased from 30 to 11, but institutional vigilance remains at the highest level." — the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy said.

Officials say the donated doses will remain available for use should a targeted vaccination campaign be authorised after delivery and completion of required controls. Until then, containment measures and surveillance at the affected holdings continue.

Veterinary services and the Agency for Food and Veterinary continue to monitor the remaining outbreaks, trace animal movements and implement quarantine and biosecurity measures while finalising logistics for the vaccine transfer.

Photo: press material from the event