Interim Agriculture Minister confirms farmers' export woes if livestock vaccinated

Interim Agriculture Minister Tánczos Barna publicly backed shepherd Ghiță Ciobanul's warning that vaccinating sheep and other livestock would effectively stop Romania's animal exports because EU regulations prohibit the trade of vaccinated animals. Barna said he has spoken with Ciobanul repeatedly and confirmed the accuracy of his statements. He explained that current EU legislation imposes export bans in such cases, and Romanian authorities are pressing the European Commission for a more flexible rule.

The minister highlighted ongoing talks with the EU and cited recent discussions in Dublin with other ministers and the Irish presidency. He also mentioned that bilateral agreements have already been signed with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Israel, Tunisia and Libya, with more negotiations pending. Barna warned that without legislative adaptation, disease control could lead to a two-year export shutdown, urging swift action.