Peste of Small Ruminants in Croatia: Urgent Restrictions for Livestock Farmers and Exporters

Key data

Sheep and goat farmers with activity in Croatia and operators trading in small ruminants in the region face immediate restrictions following the detection of an outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in that country. The European Commission has responded with the Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1389, published on 18 June 2026 and entering into force the previous day, 17 June.

PPR is a highly contagious viral disease that affects exclusively sheep and goats. Its presence in EU territory — where it was previously absent — makes this outbreak a first-level health alert for the entire European livestock sector. The measures adopted are provisional in nature but apply immediately, and their duration will depend on the epidemiological evolution of the outbreak.

What does this regulation establish?

The Decision establishes an urgent containment framework articulated around three main axes:

• Restricted zones: Geographic areas in Croatia are delimited where PPR has been detected or where there is a risk of contagion. Within these zones, animal and product movements are subject to strict control.
• Prohibition or conditioning of movements: The transfer of susceptible animals (sheep and goats), their derived products and genetic material (semen, ova, embryos) from affected zones to other parts of Croatia or to other EU Member States is prohibited or subject to prior authorization.
• Reinforced health controls: Croatian livestock operators and importers or exporters operating with small ruminants in the region must strictly comply with the health controls imposed by the decision.

The regulation is provisional in nature and will be reviewed according to the evolution of the outbreak. It does not replace any previous specific decision on PPR in Croatia, as this is a first detection of the pathogen in that territory.

Economic and operational impact

The economic impact of this decision is concentrated on two levels: the immediate operational impact for actors directly in Croatia, and the indirect commercial impact for Spanish companies with links to that market.

On the operational level, any movement of live animals, meat, dairy products or genetic material from Croatian restricted zones is halted or subject to prior authorization. This implies:

• Interruption of supply chains for live animals for breeding or fattening.
• Blocking of exports of derived products (meat, milk, cheese) from affected zones.
• Paralysis of genetic improvement operations involving material from Croatia.
• Additional costs for certification and health controls for any authorized movement.

For Spanish companies, the main risk is the interruption of supplies if they maintain purchase contracts for live animals or derived products with Croatian suppliers located in restricted zones. The regulation applies immediately, so there is no adaptation period.

Who does it affect?

• Sheep and goat farmers in Croatia located in the restricted zones defined by the decision.
• Commercial operators and exporters of small ruminants with activity in the affected areas of Croatia.
• Spanish importers who purchase live animals (sheep, goats) from Croatia.
• Spanish agri-food companies that import derived products from small ruminants (meat, milk, cheese, wool) from Croatia.
• Genetic improvement centers and animal genetics companies that operate with genetic material (semen, ova, embryos) of Croatian origin.
• Veterinarians and animal health services that manage cross-border movements of small ruminants.

Practical example

A Spanish livestock company that has contracted the purchase of 200 breeding goats from a Croatian farm located in one of the restricted zones defined by Decision 2026/1389 will not be able to receive that shipment while the restrictions are in force. The contract is de facto suspended, as the movement of animals from the affected zone is prohibited or conditioned on prior authorization from the competent authorities.

Similarly, a Spanish cheese factory that imports goat milk or cheese produced in the Croatian restricted zones must verify with its supplier whether the establishment of origin is within the affected area. If so, shipments are blocked until further notice. The company will need to find alternative suppliers or wait for the restrictions to be lifted, with no defined date due to the provisional nature of the measure.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if you have suppliers in Croatia: Review your contracts and supply chain to detect if any supplier of live animals, derived products or genetic material is located in Croatia.
2. Verify if the supplier is in a restricted zone: Contact the Croatian supplier directly or the competent veterinary authorities to confirm whether their farm or establishment falls within the zones delimited by Decision 2026/1389.
3. Halt or condition pending orders: If there are shipments in progress or confirmed orders from affected zones, stop the process until you obtain confirmation that the movement is authorized by the health authorities.
4. Search for alternative suppliers: Given that the measure has no defined end date, evaluate alternative sources of supply to ensure operational continuity.
5. Consult your official veterinarian or animal health advisor: For any movement that may be in a gray area, obtain professional advice before proceeding.
6. Monitor the evolution of the outbreak: The regulation is provisional and may be modified. Follow updates from the EU Official Journal and the European Commission to learn when restrictions are lifted or modified.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601389