Disease Outbreaks Spread, Animal Breeders Desperate. 'Some People Believe It's Deliberate'

Fears are mounting among Romanian animal breeders as new outbreaks of sheep and goat pox continue to emerge, even with movement restrictions in place. Farmers are increasingly desperate, facing the grim prospect of their herds being culled to prevent further spread. This situation is exacerbating distrust, with a growing number of individuals believing the disease is being intentionally introduced.

In the Vâlcea and Gorj counties, a significant outbreak is under investigation. Initial suspicions arose at a farm near Târgu Jiu, where laboratory tests confirmed the virus in over 300 sheep. The epidemiological investigation expanded to include the rest of the flock grazing in the Urdele Pass and Rânca area, confirming infections in more than 500 additional animals. Consequently, over 800 sheep are slated for sacrifice and neutralization to contain the disease. Due to the lack of an authorized incinerator in Gorj, the animals will reportedly be buried.

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This is stupid (the idea that the disease doesn't exist). It's a bizarre conspiracy that prevents us from taking the necessary measures so that it doesn't happen. And among the association members, there are people who believe that 'the disease doesn't exist,' that 'something is being done on purpose,' but anyone who thinks like that is unconscious.

The handling of the outbreak has drawn political attention, with AUR party president George Simion visiting one of the affected farms. His visit coincided with a surge in conspiracy theories circulating online and in comments, with some claiming the disease is a fabrication and that animals are being killed to make way for imported products. Others allege that pastures are being poisoned from the air.

Constanța Ștefan, president of the "Țara Loviștei" Association, criticized these conspiracy theories as "stupid" and dangerous, arguing they hinder necessary control measures. She stressed the ease with which the virus can spread, even through simple contact or movement between farms. Ștefan also pointed to the potential for disease transmission by wildlife and birds if infected carcasses are not properly disposed of, highlighting the critical need for swift and effective official action.

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And if someone comes to visit, like that politician did, and now goes to another flock, they carry the infection from there. If the shepherd passes on his way to his flock somewhere where there was disease, and passes in the first three days, automatically he picks up the virus and takes it to his farm, it's that dangerous.