The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection has intensified veterinary and sanitary measures at the border following the outbreak of small ruminant plague in sheep and goats in Romania, the agency's press service announced.

Based on information from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Ukraine's Chief State Veterinary Inspector has banned the import of animals susceptible to small ruminant plague, reproductive materials, untreated and treated products, raw milk, and dairy products intended for human consumption from Romania. The exception is dairy products that have been processed and meet the import requirements for animal-origin food products into Ukraine.

In the regions of Odesa, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zakarpattia, measures are being taken to account for the existing population of sheep and goats and assess their clinical condition. Emergency response teams have been created, transportation control has been strengthened, and informational and educational work is being conducted, the agency said.

To prevent the spread of the virus, special attention is being given to the disinfection of vehicles at border checkpoints with Romania. For example, at the Porubne-Siret road checkpoint, disinfection is carried out using disinfectant materials and sprayers.

"These measures are one of the tools aimed at maintaining a controlled epizootic situation in Ukraine, primarily regarding small ruminant plague," the agency said.

Information notices have also been posted at checkpoints, warning that untreated animal-origin products (milk, cheese, etc.) can carry dangerous pathogens that cause infectious diseases in animals.

The agency highlighted that food products transported by individuals across the state border for personal consumption could also be a factor in virus transmission.

"We ask all drivers, carriers, citizens, and travelers to be cautious and responsible. Follow the established rules and restrictions. Together, we can protect our sheep and goat farms and prevent the spread of this dangerous disease," the agency concluded.