The first case of sheep and goat pox disease has been confirmed in Kosovo, the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) has announced.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, in coordination with the Food and Veterinary Agency, confirmed that the first case was detected on a sheep farm in the village of Sazli, Ferizaj.

The Food and Veterinary Agency has introduced general measures to control and combat the disease. These measures are being implemented in the Ferizaj and Gjilan regions.

According to the announcement, the disease is caused by a virus from the Capripoxvirus family and is among the most severe diseases affecting these species, with significant economic consequences.

Some of the symptoms include high fever (40–42°C), loss of appetite and lethargy, discharge from the nose and eyes, and skin lesions (pimples, sores), especially on the head, ears, abdomen, and around the genital area.

The disease does not pose a risk to human health and is not transmitted from animals to humans.

Earlier in the day, the FVA also announced a ban on importing sheep and goats from Albania due to an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in the Dibra region.

The Food and Veterinary Agency said that imports of sheep and goats from Albania have been suspended, following the outbreak.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the FVA have also imposed an indefinite ban on such imports and have urged farmers to closely monitor their herds and avoid any contact with animals from Albania.

Border authorities will strengthen controls at all border crossings and in border areas with Albania to prevent the disease from entering Kosovo.

Farmers have been advised to increase vigilance, as the disease is highly contagious among sheep and goats and spreads through direct contact with infected animals.