Volume 76 (2026) Issue: 2026 No#1

Pest des petits ruminants in Eastern Europe: an emerging threat

Author(s): Ioana Alexandra Răţoi, Luanda Elena Oşlobanu, Daniela Porea, Daniel Narcis Maftei, Jasna Kureljušić, Vesna Milićević, Branislav Kureljušić, Ana Vasić

Keywords:Emergent, outbreaks, Peste des petit ruminats, transboundary.

Peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants, with significant socioeconomic impact, particularly in regions with extensive livestock farming. It poses a growing threat to animal health and food security, making its surveillance and control a global priority. This review aims to assess the current epidemiological status of PPR in Europe during 2024–2025, focusing on affected countries. Official data from national veterinary authorities and international reporting systems such as ADIS and WOAH were analyzed. The review synthesizes recent trends in PPR outbreaks, concerning their timeline and geographic spread, assesses the prevention and control strategies adopted by the affected countries, and highlights challenges that encumbered effective disease management. Additionally, the paper documents clinical and pathological features observed during confirmed outbreaks in Tulcea, Romania, in 2024, providing a practical insight into the field presentation of the disease. In 2024–2025, Peste des petits ruminants re-emerged in Southeastern Europe, with confirmed outbreaks reported in Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Albania. Delays in detection and insufficient cross-border coordination have significantly hindered containment efforts. While emergency measures—such as culling and enhanced surveillance—were implemented, structural or decisional ongoing challenges in veterinary systems and limited awareness among livestock owners continue to pose major challenges. Moreover, negative public responses to necessary control measures may further impede timely reporting and detection of future outbreaks. These findings highlight the urgent need for strengthening the regional cooperation and capacity-building to improve early warning systems and response capabilities. Without timely field recognition and coordinated interventions, the risk of a broader regional spread increases, threatening the EU’s PPR-free status and undermining global eradication efforts.