Orf Epidemic in North Macedonia: Over 2,700 Animals Affected

North Macedonia is facing a growing epidemic of orf among small ruminant animals. Since the beginning of July, ten new outbreaks of the disease have been established, distributed across several municipalities, local media report.

According to data from the country's Food and Veterinary Agency, the infection has affected the territories of the municipalities of Makedonska Kamenica, Česiново–Obleševo, Sveti Nikole, and Kumanovo. The total number of confirmed outbreaks in the region has now reached 17, and the affected animals number more than 2,700.

The disease was discovered in 15 specialized sheep farms and two mixed farms where sheep and goats are raised. Previous measures to combat the epidemic have already led to the culling of over 1,400 infected animals since the beginning of the year.

Representatives of industry associations and the Union of Sheep Breeders in North Macedonia have already held emergency meetings to discuss response measures for the appearance of new cases. Despite the scale of the infection, veterinary authorities emphasize that orf does not pose a danger to human health, as it is not a zoonosis. The main focus of the authorities is limiting the spread and protecting healthy herds.