According to a note released by the Portuguese Farmers' Confederation (CAP), outbreaks were reported in Greece on 11 July, in goats and sheep.

These eventually spread, reaching five regions, for a total of 42 outbreaks (data from 7 August).

In Romania, the first outbreak was reported on 19 July, having subsequently reached four regions.

As of 7 August, around 56 outbreaks in goats and sheep had been reported in Romania.

The two Member States have already adopted control measures.

Restriction, protection and surveillance zones have been set up around the outbreaks.

In addition, the export and movement of small ruminants and their products from the entire country to another Member State and third countries has been prohibited, “except if the destination country gives its written consent”.

According to the DGAV, small ruminant plague has never occurred in Portugal.

However, this directorate-general has called for measures to be strengthened.

The disease is mainly transmitted by aerosols or by direct contact between animals.

Tears, nasal discharge, sputum, secretions and excretions of sick animals are among the sources of the virus.

“PPR [peste des petits ruminants] was initially described in Ivory Coast, but it occurs in most African countries, south of the Sahara and north of the Equator, and in almost all countries in the Middle East up to Turkey,” he added.

The disease is also widespread in India and southwest Asia.

Focuses of the disease have also been detected in Tibet, Morocco, and East Africa.

Peste des petits ruminants is a contagious disease that mainly affects sheep and goats. It is not transmissible to humans.

The mortality rate associated with this disease is between 50% and 100%.

This disease has associated symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, necrotic stomatitis and halitosis.