Morocco Resumes Romanian Sheep Imports After PPR Outbreak
After a months-long pause due to an outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), often called sheep and goat plague, Morocco is once again importing sheep from Romania. This resumption of trade signals a positive step for both countries, particularly for Romanian livestock farmers who faced economic challenges during the suspension.
According to the Romanian news site “Economica,” the first shipment of 13 Romanian sheep left a collection center in Constanta, Romania, last week, bound for Morocco. This initial shipment marks a cautious restart, with larger volumes expected to follow if the disease situation remains stable. Cristiat Laurentiu Mortasev, General Director of the Sanitary-Veterinary Directorate for Animal Health and Welfare at Romania’s National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), confirmed the shipment.
The PPR outbreak significantly impacted Romania’s sheep exports. By the end of August 2024, Romania had exported approximately 1.4 million sheep, a considerable drop compared to the 2.3 million exported during the same period in 2023. This decline underscores the economic importance of the Moroccan market for Romanian sheep farmers. Mortasev indicated that Romanian livestock professionals hope to export around 100,000 sheep by the end of 2024, contingent on continued disease control. This target, while ambitious given the lost time, reflects the industry’s optimism about regaining market share.
The resumption of trade follows a visit by a Moroccan delegation to Romania on November 14, 2024. The delegation, comprised of representatives from the Moroccan National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and livestock professionals, met with Romanian authorities to finalize the terms of the renewed imports. This visit, confirmed by ANSVSA, demonstrates the commitment of both nations to ensuring the safe and efficient trade of livestock. The collaboration between ONSSA and ANSVSA is crucial for maintaining animal health standards and preventing future disruptions to trade.
The re-establishment of this trade link is not only economically beneficial but also highlights the importance of international cooperation in managing animal diseases. PPR, a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants, can have devastating consequences for livestock populations and livelihoods. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) provides resources and support to countries in their efforts to control and eradicate PPR. [Link to relevant WOAH resource on PPR]. Effective disease surveillance and control measures are essential for protecting animal health and facilitating safe international trade. The resumption of sheep imports from Romania to Morocco demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and robust veterinary protocols. This renewed trade partnership promises a brighter future for both Romanian sheep farmers and Moroccan consumers.
Keywords: Morocco, Romania, sheep imports, PPR, Peste des Petits Ruminants, ONSSA, ANSVSA, livestock trade, animal health, disease control, international trade.
