The Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) has announced that the first case of Sheeppox/Goatpox in Kosovo has been confirmed. The case was identified in the village of Sazli, in the Municipality of Ferizaj, following laboratory tests conducted at the Food and Veterinary Laboratory.
According to the announcement, it is a highly contagious viral disease that affects sheep and goats, with major economic consequences for farmers, but which does not pose a risk to human health.
The FVA has established general measures to control and prevent the spread of the disease, which have entered into force today. The measures are currently implemented in the Ferizaj and Gjilan regions, but may change depending on epidemiological developments.
FVA announcement:
The first case of Sheep Pox/GoatPox disease has been confirmed in Kosovo.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, through the Food and Veterinary Agency (AVA), informs the public that the first case of Sheep Pox/GoatPox has been confirmed in the village of Sazli, Municipality of Ferizaj. After diagnostic research in the field and the implementation of disease control measures, the first case of Sheep Pox has been confirmed in samples tested at the Food and Veterinary Laboratory on a sheep farm in this village.
The Food and Veterinary Agency today, on 15.04.2026, establishes general measures for the control, prevention and control of Sheep Pox/GoatPox disease in Kosovo, based on Law No. 2004/21 on Veterinary Medicine.
The measures apply in the region of Ferizaj and Gjilan (depending on the situation, the measures may change)
I. General measures:
a) The movement of sheep and goats from farms, trading in markets and buying and selling is prohibited;
b) Farms where the presence of the disease is confirmed are placed under full isolation/quarantine. All movement in and out is prohibited.
c) Sheep and goat farmers are obliged to immediately notify the veterinarian of any change in the health status of the animals. Veterinary practices are obliged to implement veterinary health protocols for the prevention and control of this disease.
d) Sheep and goat farmers should activate biosecurity measures on their farms.
e) To determine locations for the burial of dead animals by the Municipalities;
f) The FVA continues with epidemiological research, sampling and conducting laboratory tests;
II. By way of exception to point I of this decision, the movement of animals from farms free from this disease to licensed slaughterhouses is permitted, with the prior consent of the veterinary inspector of the Food and Veterinary Agency.
III. All market managers are ordered to suspend the trading of small animals, sheep and goats, from the moment this decision comes into force.
IV. The Kosovo Police and municipal bodies, in coordination and cooperation with the FVA, are obliged to supervise the implementation of the measures.
V. The measures entered into force today, 15.04.2026
Report to the number:
0800 500 95 Free 24h
What is Sheep/Goat Pox?
Sheeppox (also known as sheeppox/goatpox) is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats. It is caused by a virus of the Capripoxvirus family and is one of the most serious diseases of these species, with major economic consequences.
Symptoms?
• High temperature (40–42°C)
• Loss of appetite and lethargy
• Runny nose and eyes
• Lesions (pimples, sores) on the skin, especially on the head, ears, abdomen and around the genitals
• Difficulty breathing (if it affects the lungs)
• In some cases: diarrhea and general weakness
How is it transmitted?
• Direct contact with infected animals
• Secretions (saliva, runny nose)
• Through contaminated environment (stables, vehicles, transport)
This disease is not zoonotic, which means: it does not pose a risk to human health and is not transmitted from animals to humans.
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