IPH: Sheep and Goat Pox Is Not Transmitted to Humans

Sheep and goat pox, which has recently spread across the country, does not pose a risk to human health, the Institute of Public Health announced. The institution believes that, at this stage, the Food and Veterinary Agency has taken sufficient measures to isolate the cases.

Marija Andonovska, director of the Institute of Public Health, said data from the epidemiology department showed that all necessary measures had been implemented. “According to our information and data from the epidemiology department, the Food and Veterinary Agency has, for the time being, taken all necessary measures to isolate the cases of sheep and goat pox that have emerged. Epidemiologists have informed us that there is no risk of the disease being transmitted to humans. No such risk exists, and measures have been taken,” Andonovska said.

According to the Institute, consuming food products derived from these animals also poses no risk, particularly when the food has been properly processed. Nevertheless, during the summer, citizens are advised to be more careful when purchasing, storing and consuming food, especially on days when temperatures are high.

“As for the consumption of food from sick animals, there is no risk of the disease being transmitted to humans, particularly if the product has been processed. However, as an Institute, we recommend exercising caution, especially during these summer days, regarding where food is obtained, as the summer season creates conditions conducive to many diseases. People should check where the food is purchased, the conditions in which it has been kept and how it will be stored after purchase,” said Marija Andonovska, director of the Institute of Public Health.

The Food and Veterinary Agency had previously announced that 10 new outbreaks of pox had been recorded since the beginning of July. Around 1,400 animals have been culled in an effort to halt the spread of the disease. Its presence has been confirmed on 15 sheep farms and two farms where sheep and goats are kept.

As a result of the situation, the movement and transportation of sheep and goats have been prohibited in the affected areas. At the same time, livestock markets for these categories have been closed across the country./Alsat.mk.