Europe strengthens regional action against PPR and Sheep and Goat Pox under GF-TADs

The first Standing Group of Experts (SGE) on Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Sheep Pox and Goat Pox (SPGP) in Europe was convened online on 5 March 2026 under the umbrella of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs). The meeting was chaired by Dr Bernard Van Goethem, President of the GF-TADs Europe Steering Committee, and brought together national veterinary authorities, reference laboratories, international organisations, and regional partners, in total 130 participants.

The meeting marked an important milestone in strengthening coordinated regional action against two priority transboundary animal diseases that continue to threaten small ruminant production, rural livelihoods, food security, and trade across Europe and neighbouring regions.

A Growing Regional Challenge

Opening the meeting, Dr Mereke Taitubayev highlighted that while Europe has traditionally maintained a favourable animal health status, recent outbreaks clearly demonstrate the persistent risk posed by PPR and SPGP. He stressed the importance of the SGE as a platform for sharing up-to-date epidemiological information, scientific evidence, and country experiences, while reinforcing collaboration among veterinary services, laboratories, and international partners.

Dr Van Goethem recalled that the establishment of the SGE was requested during the first GF-TADs Europe Conference in Belgrade in 2025, in response to the deteriorating epidemiological situation since 2024. He underlined that outbreaks reported in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo¹ illustrate the need for a structured, science-based, and coordinated regional response.

Country Situations: Lessons from the Field

Countries directly affected by PPR and SPGP presented detailed epidemiological updates and shared operational lessons.

Albania reported its first PPR outbreak in June 2025 and described the rapid activation of its contingency plan, strict movement restrictions, extensive surveillance, and stamping-out measures that successfully stopped further spread. Croatia presented its first-ever PPR outbreaks detected through differential diagnosis, highlighting the challenge of subclinical infections and the need for adapted surveillance strategies.

Greece provided an in-depth overview of its ongoing SPGP epidemic, which has evolved through several phases since August 2024. The response relied on strict movement bans, expanded restriction zones, enhanced enforcement, and strong laboratory support, demonstrating the importance of sustained vigilance and operational capacity. North Macedonia reported its first SPGP outbreak in January 2026 and emphasized the effectiveness of rapid response, movement control, and awareness campaigns in limiting spread.

Scientific Evidence and Laboratory Support

Updates from the European Union Reference Laboratories and scientific partners underscored the critical role of laboratory diagnostics and molecular epidemiology. Genetic analyses of PPR viruses circulating in Europe revealed a common origin closely related to strains from North and East Africa. These findings confirm that animal movements, delayed detection, and subclinical infections may complicate control efforts.

For SPGP, phylogenetic analyses showed very high genetic similarity among recent outbreaks in multiple countries, reflecting slow viral evolution but also indicating closely linked transmission. Participants agreed that whole genome sequencing, systematic sample sharing, and close collaboration with reference laboratories are essential to guide effective control measures.

Vaccination and Control Strategies

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) presented modelling analyses assessing vaccination strategies for SPGP. Results demonstrated that while rapid detection, culling and movement controls are effective measures to control the outbreaks of SPGP, however in certain situations such as for Bulgaria and Greece combined strategies including risk-based or nationwide vaccination supported by movement restrictions offer faster and more reliable pathways to elimination. This strategy applies particularly in large and complex epidemics such as in Greece.

Vaccines currently available were confirmed to be effective and generally safe, reinforcing their potential role as a complementary tool alongside classical control measures.

Regional and International Support

FAO, WOAH, the European Commission, and partners outlined extensive ongoing support activities, including surveillance strengthening, laboratory networking, simulation exercises, training through virtual learning platforms, and risk assessment tools. EU support has included safeguard measures, missions of the European Veterinary Emergency Team, co-financing of control activities, and the establishment of vaccine banks for both PPR and SPGP.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) presented free-of-charge sequencing services, including whole genome sequencing through cloud-based platforms, offering countries advanced molecular tools while retaining full ownership of their data.

Key Outcomes and Recommendations

Concluding the meeting, Dr Van Goethem emphasized that the discussions provided a comprehensive view from scientific, regulatory, and operational perspectives. Participants agreed on the establishment of the Standing Group of Experts on PPR and SPGP in Europe under GF-TADs, and on a set of priority recommendations, including:

• Strengthening passive and active surveillance and early warning systems
• Enhancing laboratory diagnostic capacity and molecular epidemiology
• Securing sustainable human and financial resources
• Applying strict controls on animal movements and cross-border activities
• Considering risk-based vaccination supported by post-vaccination monitoring
• Updating contingency plans and conducting regular simulation exercises
• Intensifying awareness campaigns for veterinarians, farmers, and stakeholders
• Reinforcing cross-border cooperation and transparent reporting through WAHIS and GF-TADs platforms

Looking Ahead

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation and science-based decision-making in addressing transboundary animal diseases. Participants were encouraged to implement the agreed actions at national level and to continue working together under the GF-TADs framework. The next meeting of the SGE on PPR and SPGP is planned for the end of 2026, in the margins of the second GF-TADs Europe Conference.