An official Saudi Arabia delegation tasked with discussing the resumption of Romanian sheep exports is on a working visit to Romania January 8 - 12, the National Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) announced on Wednesday, adding that the visit is part of an ongoing effort to open foreign markets and resume trade, which was temporarily suspended due to the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) outbreak.
The delegation will travel to the counties of Calarasi, Constanta and Tulcea, visiting sheep collection centers in order to verify animal welfare conditions and biosecurity measures implemented by farmers. Also, the delegation will inspect the National Reference Laboratory (Institute for Animal Diagnostics and Health), where it will assess the veterinary capacities for PPR diagnosing, and will visit farms where PPR occurrences have been recorded.
The visits will also include a stop at the Constanta Border Inspection Point, as well as at slaughterhouses and collection units intended for livestock export.
"Through its actions, ANSVSA opens new opportunities for Romanian producers, supporting the resumption of exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This allows farmers to capitalize on their high-quality animals on this market," said ANSVSA president Alexandru Bociu.
The Saudi delegation is led by Bakar Altureif, Director General of the Livestock Risk Assessment Department - National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (WEQAA), and includes Aljasir Mohammed, Director of the Animal Health Organisation and Development Department, and Alqahtani Meagib, Director of the International Bilateral Relations Department.
"This collaboration represents a great opportunity for Romania to resume sheep exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to strengthen bilateral trade ties. The constant support of government authorities and the continuous efforts of the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority underpin Romania's commitment to protecting animal health and supporting international trade," the statement said.