Shepherds desperate after EU bans Romanian exports altogether: 100,000 shepherd families live off this

The Romanian sheep farming industry is facing a severe crisis following a decision by the European Union to ban all exports of sheep and goats from Romania. This move has left thousands of farmers in distress, many of whom rely on livestock exports as their primary source of income. The situation escalated after the confirmation of an outbreak of small ruminant plague in a sheep farm in Mureș County during the first week of June 2026. Since then, the measures taken have raised concerns about potential long-term economic and social consequences for rural communities.

The National Animal Health Authority (ANSVSA) established protection and surveillance zones around the affected area. In response, the European Commission swiftly imposed restrictions on the transport of sheep and goats within the EU, initially set to last until July 31, 2026. However, on June 18, the Commission extended these restrictions further, banning exports not only to other EU countries but also to third-party nations such as Middle Eastern and North African markets. These restrictions now apply to the entire territory of Romania, despite the fact that the outbreak was localized and under control according to official reports.

Romania had previously been one of the leading exporters of live sheep within the EU, particularly to non-EU markets. According to data from ANSVSA, in the first ten months of 2025, Romania exported approximately 210 million euros worth of sheep to third countries. For 2026, preliminary figures indicate a 40% increase in this trade. By early 2026, over one million sheep had already been exported, placing Romania second in the EU in terms of sheep population and first in live animal exports to non-EU countries.

The interim Minister of Agriculture, Tánczos Barna, criticized the EU’s decision as "deeply disproportionate." He argued that the restrictions should be limited to the specific areas affected by the outbreak rather than applying nationwide. The minister requested that ANSVSA present an urgent plan to both the government and the European Commission to address the disease effectively and allow exports to resume as soon as possible. His concern is that the current measures could undermine Romania's position in international markets and damage its reputation as a reliable trading partner.

The Sheep Farmers' Union, representing the interests of most sheep farmers in the country, has called for immediate intervention from national authorities. They emphasized that traditional foreign markets are difficult to establish and can be quickly lost if access is blocked. Each week of export restrictions could lead potential buyers to seek alternatives in other supplier countries, which would have long-term implications for Romania's credibility as a commercial partner.

Farmers and industry representatives warn that the impact of these restrictions extends beyond the region where the outbreak occurred. Many farmers who have no connection to Mureș County are now facing uncertainty about their livelihoods. The restrictions could result in significant economic losses and affect thousands of households dependent on sheep farming. Some estimates suggest that up to 100,000 families of shepherds might be impacted directly by the export ban.

As the situation unfolds, there is growing pressure on the Romanian government to find solutions that balance public health concerns with the economic well-being of the agricultural sector. Officials are being urged to work closely with ANSVSA to develop a comprehensive strategy to contain the outbreak while minimizing the disruption to the export market. The outcome of these efforts will determine whether Romania can maintain its status as a key player in the global sheep trade or face a prolonged period of economic hardship in the rural regions heavily reliant on this industry.