The National Authority of Veterinary and Plant Protection has responded following the appearance of an isolated case of small ruminant plague on a farm in Shupenzë.
An isolated case of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) confirmed in Albania
The National Authority of Veterinary and Plant Protection announces that an isolated case of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) has been confirmed within the territory of the Republic of Albania.
The case was identified on 30.03.2026 on a goat breeding farm, with a total of 220 head, in the village of Okshatinë, Shupenzë Administrative Unit, Bulqizë Municipality. Samples taken on-site by the Veterinary Service were analyzed at the reference laboratory of the Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary Medicine, which confirmed the presence of the PPR virus.
Immediately after confirmation of the case, veterinary structures intervened on-site by implementing all measures stipulated in the current legislation and the National Contingency Plan for PPR. An epidemiological investigation was conducted and safety zones were established, namely a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone, encompassing the territories of Bulqizë and Dibër municipalities.
On the affected farm, the culling and disposal of all remaining animals was carried out, along with complete disinfection of the premises and equipment. The farm was placed under full quarantine, prohibiting any movement of animals and people and implementing strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
Simultaneously, the Veterinary Service has continued intensive monitoring of farms in the surrounding areas, strengthening on-site controls and conducting informational meetings with farmers on the importance of implementing preventive measures. Relevant local institutions have also been notified, and all necessary logistics for managing the situation have been secured. From the monitoring carried out in the protection and surveillance zones, since 31.03.2026, no other suspected cases or clinical signs related to this disease have been identified.
Guidelines for farmers and breeders
The National Authority of Veterinary and Plant Protection calls on all small ruminant (sheep and goat) breeders to rigorously apply biosecurity measures and restrict the movement of animals within and outside farms. In any case of the appearance of suspicious symptoms, such as high fever, nasal discharge, eye inflammation, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or sudden death, the relevant Regional Veterinary Service should be notified immediately or the free green number should be contacted: 0800 3366.
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is not a zoonotic disease and is not transmitted to humans. As such, it poses no risk to public health. The National Authority of Veterinary and Plant Protection, in cooperation with relevant institutions, will continue to monitor the situation with full seriousness and will keep the public continuously informed of any developments.