A third outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), also known as small ruminant plague, has been confirmed in Albania, raising renewed concerns for livestock farmers across the country.

The disease, which affects sheep and goats and is often fatal for small livestock, was identified in the Dajç administrative unit of Shkodër. Following the detection of the new outbreak, 20 sheep were culled as part of containment measures.

According to the National Veterinary and Plant Protection Authority, the outbreak was confirmed on May 15 and May 18, 2026, in two sheep farms located in the village of Mali Gjymtit, Dajç, Shkodër. The two infected farms, which together housed 112 animals, are situated only 40 meters apart.

Samples collected in the field by the Veterinary Service were analyzed at the reference laboratory of the Food Safety and Veterinary Institute, which confirmed the presence of the PPR virus.

Veterinary authorities said emergency measures were immediately implemented following the positive confirmation. The affected farms were isolated, the livestock placed under quarantine, and full disinfection procedures were carried out across all facilities and equipment in accordance with Albania’s National Contingency Plan for PPR and existing legislation.

The disease has affected all regions of Albania during 2025, leading to the culling of approximately 2,200 animals nationwide. Only days ago, the Albanian government approved compensation for farmers whose livestock had been impacted by the outbreak.