Sheep pox and goat pox (SGP) are viral diseases of small ruminants. These diseases may cause significant economic losses due to decreased milk production, poor quality of hides and wool and trade restrictions.
Sporadic outbreaks of SGP occur in some southeast EU countries, because of the spread of viruses from neighbouring countries where SGP are endemic.
Non-affected countries aim to detect and eliminate new outbreaks of SGP as early as possible. To achieve this objective, countries work on awareness-raising, surveillance for early detection and disease preparedness.
In 2023 and 2024, the Commission has awarded €0.007 million and €0.025 million, respectively, to two EU countries to contribute to the awareness and early detection of SGP outbreaks in the EU.