Ovine rinderpest

Sheep and goat flocks in Romania and the EU 

Sheep and goat farming are a significant livestock sector in Romania and across the European Union (EU). These species are integral to the rural economy, providing meat, milk, wool, and other products.  

In Romania, sheep and goats are commonly raised in various regions, contributing substantially to both local economies and the national agricultural output. The EU is one of the leading regions in the world for sheep and goat farming, with countries like Spain, France, Greece, and Romania playing pivotal roles in this industry. 

• On December 31, 2023, Romania had 11,7 million sheep and goats. In sheep and goat herds, Romania ranked second among the EU member states, after Spain (15.8 million heads). 

• There are more than 70 million sheep and goats in the European Union (85% sheep and 15% goats), often raised in economically vulnerable areas such as mountainous regions. 

However, the health of these flocks is constantly under threat from various diseases, one of the most serious being the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). This disease poses a significant risk not only to the livestock industry but also to food security and the livelihoods of many farmers. 

 

Peste des Petits Ruminants – GENERAL INFORMATION 

Peste des Petits Ruminants, also known as Ovine Rinderpest, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects small ruminants such as sheep and goats. The disease was first discovered in the Ivory Coast in 1942 and has since spread to various parts of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Europe.  

The disease is caused by the Morbillivirus caprinae, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, which is closely related to the virus that causes rinderpest in cattle. 

• According to the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) of Romania, PPR is a serious viral disease that does not affect humans but can have devastating effects on small ruminants. Mortality rates in infected animals can reach up to 70%, making it one of the most dangerous diseases for sheep and goats. 

 

Manifestation of the disease and its dangers 

PPR manifests itself in several ways, depending on the severity of the infection. Infected animals typically exhibit symptoms such as high fever, nasal discharge, and sores in the mouth. These symptoms are followed by severe respiratory distress, diarrhea, and in many cases, death. The disease spreads rapidly through direct contact between animals, as well as through contaminated food, water, and equipment. 

The danger of PPR lies not only in its high mortality rate but also in its ability to spread quickly across regions, affecting large numbers of animals in a short period. This can lead to significant economic losses for farmers, especially in regions where sheep and goat farming is a primary source of income. The disease also poses a threat to food security, as it can lead to a substantial reduction in the production of meat and milk. 

 

Number of outbreaks in Romania 

Romania has not been immune to outbreaks of PPR.  

• According to the latest updates from ANSVSA, the country has experienced several outbreaks of the disease in recent years. On 19.08.2024 there were reported 60 outbreaks of Ovine Rinderpest in Romania (with a total of 232,927 animals).The outbreaks were the following counties: Tulcea, Constanța, Timiș and Ialomița. 

These outbreaks lead to the implementation of quarantine measures, culling of infected animals, and increased surveillance of sheep and goat flocks. The Romanian authorities have been vigilant in monitoring the situation to prevent the further spread of the disease. 

 

Measures to be taken in case the disease appears 

When an outbreak of PPR is confirmed in a holding, strict measures must be taken to contain the disease and prevent its spread to other flocks. According to the contingency manual provided by ANSVSA, several steps must be followed in the event of an outbreak: 

1. Immediate quarantine: the affected holding must be immediately quarantined to prevent the movement of animals, people, and equipment in and out of the area. 

1. Culling of infected animals: all animals that are confirmed to be infected with PPR must be humanely culled to prevent the spread of the virus. 

1. Disinfection: the holding, including all equipment and facilities, must be thoroughly disinfected to eliminate any traces of the virus. 

1. Surveillance and testing: increased surveillance and testing must be conducted in the surrounding areas to ensure that the virus has not spread to other holdings. 

1. Vaccination: in some cases, vaccination of at-risk animals may be recommended to protect them from infection. 

1. Communication: farmers and the public must be informed about the outbreak and the measures being taken to control it. This includes providing guidance on biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of the disease into other flocks. 

 

Incinerator models suitable for sheep farms 

In the event of a PPR outbreak, the disposal of infected carcasses is a critical step in controlling the spread of the disease. Incineration is one of the most effective methods of disposal, as it ensures that all pathogens are destroyed. 

Several incinerator models are suitable for use on sheep farms, including the IncinerPro i200 and IncinerPro i400. These incinerators are designed to handle the disposal of ovine/goat carcasses in a safe and efficient manner. 

• IncinerPro i200: this model has a moderate loading capacity (0,53 m³), suitable for smaller farms. It features a secondary chamber that neutralizes noxious emissions (the gases are burned for minimum 2 seconds at minimum 850⁰ Celsius), ensuring that the incineration process is environmentally friendly. The unit is equipped with automated controls and temperature recording, making it easy to operate and monitor. 

• IncinerPro i400: this is a little bit higher-loading-capacity model (0,67 m³), suitable in situations where there is a need to dispose of larger quantities of waste, bigger volume. Same as the i200, it includes a secondary chamber for emission neutralization and is fully automated for ease of use. 

Both models are designed with safety in mind, ensuring that the incineration process is completely secure and does not pose a risk to farm workers or the environment. Fully automatic burners, touch panel controls, registering temperature modules, visual and acoustic alarms are just some of the common features of these incineration installations. 

For emergency situations (e.g. out-breaks) where the mortality is higher, bigger-capacity incinerators are needed to neutralize those larger quantities of waste, quickly and efficiently. In such cases, it is advisable to contact Flextim Industry representatives, who can provide the best technical solution, based on the specific needs of the farm, from the comprehensive IncinerPro® portfolio of incinerators. 

 

The need to maintain and increase biosecurity on farms 

Maintaining a high level of biosecurity is crucial in preventing the introduction and spread of diseases like PPR on sheep and goat farms. Biosecurity measures include controlling the movement of animals, people, and equipment on and off the farm, as well as ensuring that all farm facilities are regularly cleaned and disinfected. 

Farmers should be vigilant in monitoring the health of their animals and should report any signs of illness to veterinary authorities immediately. Regular testing and vaccination of animals, where applicable, can also help to protect flocks from infection. 

For more detailed information on biosecurity equipment, measures and disinfection protocols, farmers can visit Flextim Industry websites such as www.dezinfectieferme.ro or www.farmsdisinfection.com. These resources provide comprehensive guidelines on how to maintain a high level of biosecurity on farms, helping to safeguard the health of small ruminants and ensure the continued success of sheep and goat farming in Romania and the EU. 

 

CONCLUSION 

The Peste des Petits Ruminants is a serious threat to sheep and goat farming in Romania and the EU. Understanding the nature of the disease, how it spreads, and the measures needed to control it is essential for protecting flocks and ensuring the sustainability of this important agricultural sector. Through vigilance, proper biosecurity, and the use of appropriate disposal methods such as incineration, farmers can help to prevent the spread of PPR and protect their livelihoods.  

By partnering with Flextim Industry, farmers and veterinary authorities can ensure that they have access to the best technical solutions for managing PPR outbreaks.  

IncinerPro® incinerators are designed to handle the high volumes of waste generated during an outbreak, making them an essential tool in disease control efforts.  

Moreover, Flextim Industry support extends beyond just providing equipment: we offer tailored advice, solutions, maintenance, consultancy, installation and commissioning, spare parts, all based on the specific needs of each farm, ensuring that the response to an outbreak is both effective and efficient.