Kosovo Bans the Import of Sheep and Goats from Albania Amid Livestock Disease Outbreak

 The Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency (AUV) has officially imposed a nationwide ban on the import of sheep and goats from Albania following confirmed cases of a highly contagious livestock disease, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), also known as goat plague.

Flock of sheep near the Kosovo-Albania border

Initially a temporary and partial measure, the import ban has now been extended to cover the entire territory of Albania after new reports indicated the disease has spread to additional regions. In a public statement, AUV declared that the move was necessary to prevent further spread of the virus into Kosovo’s livestock population.

What Is PPR and Why Is It Dangerous?

PPR is a viral disease that primarily affects sheep and goats. Though it does not pose any threat to human health, it is highly contagious among small ruminants and can result in severe economic losses for farmers. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals, and sources of infection include nasal discharge, saliva, feces, and urine.

The disease presents with fever, nasal and ocular discharge, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and in severe cases, death.

Strict Movement Controls at the Border

In addition to banning imports, the AUV has ordered strict movement restrictions for livestock in border municipalities of Kosovo adjacent to Albania. Local agricultural directorates in these areas have been instructed to enforce measures to prevent sheep and goat herds from crossing into or interacting with animals from Albanian territory.

Farmers are required to closely monitor their herds, maintain separation from other flocks, and report any suspicious symptoms immediately to veterinary authorities.

Enhanced Border Surveillance

Kosovo’s border control agencies have intensified inspections at all official border checkpoints, as well as in remote grazing zones where informal cross-border movement of animals is more difficult to control. The goal is to completely block any potential entry points for infected animals.

AUV's Ongoing Response and Warnings to Farmers

The AUV emphasized that this is a preventive measure and that they are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with veterinary and border authorities. They will continue to update farmers and the public as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, farmers are urged to avoid contact with flocks from Albania, especially in the border pastures, and to apply strict biosecurity measures.

Regional Impact and Concerns

This development underscores the fragile state of animal health security in the Western Balkans, where porous borders, informal trade routes, and insufficient veterinary infrastructure can facilitate the rapid spread of animal diseases. The outbreak also raises concerns about economic consequences for livestock-dependent farmers in both Albania and Kosovo.

For now, Kosovo remains on high alert, prioritizing containment and prevention to safeguard its agricultural sector.