More than 1,500 sheep in the Kumanovo region are destroyed due to sheep pox after the first case is recorded in late January in the country, in Kumanovo. According to MRT, the disease continues to spread to additional locations. Veterinary services report interventions in Mlado Nagoričane and, in the following days, in Sopot. While no new hotspots are confirmed at the time of reporting, experts call for strict compliance with control measures because they fear further expansion.
The outlet cites veterinarian Zoran Peshevski from the Kumanovo veterinary station, who describes early symptoms as high fever, weakness and loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, nasal, mouth and eye discharge, and difficulty breathing. He says mortality is high, particularly among lambs, where it reaches 70–80%.
MRT also reports that new hotspots are registered in Macedonska Kamenica, Delčevo and Sveti Nikole. The response includes controlling animal movement, mandatory 21-day quarantine for newly purchased animals, and observing biosecurity measures. Experts also mention potential regional vaccination if hotspots continue increasing, closure of livestock markets for sheep and goats, and a six-month ban on restocking farms where the disease is confirmed.
