Sheep and Goat Plague Returns in Croatia as New Protection Zones Are Expanded

New Case Triggers Additional Restrictions

Croatian veterinary authorities have expanded restriction zones after confirming a new outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), also known as sheep and goat plague, in the settlement of Donji Dragičevci near Čazma in Bjelovar-Bilogora County.

The latest case comes only months after Croatia successfully removed restrictions linked to previous outbreaks in Dalmatia, where the disease first appeared in the country in late 2025.

As a result, protection and surveillance zones have now been established across parts of several counties, including:

Bjelovar-Bilogora
Požega-Slavonia
Virovitica-Podravina
Koprivnica-Križevci
Sisak-Moslavina
Zagreb County

Disease Reappears After Earlier Success

Croatia first detected PPR in December 2025 in the municipality of Prgomet. During the following months, several outbreaks were recorded in sheep and goat holdings in Dalmatia.

Control measures eventually stopped the spread, and all restriction zones in affected southern counties were lifted in March 2026.

The new detection near Daruvar and Čazma shows that the virus remains a threat despite those earlier successes.

What Farmers Are Being Asked To Do

The Ministry of Agriculture has called on sheep and goat farmers, livestock transporters, shearers and other industry participants to strengthen biosecurity measures throughout the country.

Recommended actions include:

Preventing Contact Between Herds

Animals from different flocks should not mix whenever possible. Reducing direct contact remains one of the most effective ways to limit transmission.

Limiting Animal Movements

Movements of sheep and goats should be kept to a minimum and only carried out in accordance with official rules and permits.

Cleaning Equipment Thoroughly

Tools, vehicles and equipment used on farms should either remain dedicated to one holding or be cleaned and disinfected before being used elsewhere.

Controlling Visitors and Vehicles

Farmers are advised to closely monitor access to livestock facilities and reduce unnecessary traffic entering animal areas.

Reporting Suspicious Symptoms Quickly

Any unusual illness, deaths or signs of disease should be reported immediately to a veterinarian.

How the Virus Spreads

PPR is a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats. It spreads mainly through close contact between infected and healthy animals.

The virus can be present in:

Nasal discharge
Eye secretions
Saliva
Coughing droplets
Feces

Infected animals may continue shedding the virus for extended periods, increasing the risk of transmission within and between flocks.

Indirect spread is also possible through contaminated equipment, bedding, feed areas, vehicles and grazing land.

Signs Farmers Should Watch For

The disease attacks both the respiratory and digestive systems.

Common symptoms include:

High fever
Loss of appetite
Weakness and depression
Difficulty moving
Discharge from the eyes and nose
Coughing and breathing problems
Diarrhea

As the disease progresses, thick secretions can form crusts around the nostrils, making breathing increasingly difficult.

Laboratory testing is required to confirm infection because some symptoms can resemble other livestock diseases.

Economic Impact Can Be Severe

Although PPR does not infect humans and poses no food safety risk to consumers, it can cause major losses for livestock producers.

Under European animal health rules, PPR is classified as a Category A disease. This means authorities must act immediately when a case is confirmed.

Measures may include:

Movement restrictions
Establishment of protection and surveillance zones
Culling of susceptible animals on affected holdings
Cleaning and disinfection of premises

Compensation may be available to farmers, provided they comply with animal health regulations.

Authorities Urge Vigilance

Croatian officials are urging everyone involved in sheep and goat production to remain alert and follow all disease control requirements.

With a new outbreak now confirmed in central Croatia, preventing further spread will depend heavily on rapid reporting, strict biosecurity and cooperation across the livestock sector.

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