News

On December 24, 2025, the World Organization for Animal Health (the WOAH) officially notified that the first PPR outbreak on the territory of Croatia was reported.

Two disease foci were identified in the Split-Dalmatia region in the south of the country. The disease was confirmed in sheep: clinical signs were observed in 8 head out of 257 susceptible animals.

The suspected source of the infection is considered to be the importation of new animals, likely from Turkey or Albania.

Within the framework of animal disease investigation and outbreak containment, veterinary restrictive measures have been implemented on the affected farms. These include disinfection, restriction and control of animal movement, enhanced animal disease surveillance within and beyond restriction zones, and zoning of the territory.

To prevent the introduction and spread of PPR onto the territory of Russia, a set of preventive and control measures is being implemented. These include: enhanced state veterinary control upon the import of animals and animal products, continuous monitoring of the animal disease situation, and laboratory testing using modern diagnostic methods.

Furthermore, scientists from the FGBI "Federal Centre for Animal Health" (the FGBI "ARRIAH") have developed a vaccine to protect livestock against PPR. The vaccine is intended for the immunization of livestock of all age groups, starting from 3 months of age. A diagnostic test system for detecting the pathogen of this disease has also been developed and implemented.

For reference:
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease affecting sheep and goats, characterized by high contagiosity and significant economic damage. The disease poses no danger to humans; however, it is subject to mandatory international notification and strict veterinary control.