Positive outlook for Romania's sheep exports as experts group is formed

Romania is poised for a promising revival of sheep exports following constructive discussions held in Brussels. The decision was reached during technical talks requested by Alexandru Bociu, the president of ANSVSA, where officials from the European Commission's DG SANTE expressed a willingness to unblock external markets.

To support this initiative, Romanian authorities and European partners have agreed to establish a group of experts. This team will analyze the current situation in Romania and conduct a field audit, with plans to form the group within this week or the next. Their mission aims to validate a strategy specifically tailored for Romania, ensuring the protection of EU territory against the risk of disease spread.

The recent extension of the export ban on sheep and goats until December 31, 2026, was prompted by outbreaks of sheep pox and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Mureș County. While European officials deem the risk of disease spread to be high, Bociu has argued that the European Commission's decision is 'disproportionate' and does not reflect the real epidemiological conditions.

In response, Bociu has announced an emergency plan for lifting the export ban, which includes national screening, strict control measures, and potential strategic vaccination. The aim is to safeguard local farmers, a common objective shared by ANSVSA and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR).

As Romania prepares for the expert group's audit and strategy formulation by early July, all eyes are on the outcomes that could pave the way for renewed export opportunities in the sheep farming sector.