The Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate (DSVSA) of Buzau estimates that the effects of the conflict in the Middle East on sheep exports will be felt in the period after Easter, with more than 65,000 animals delivered to dedicated centres outside the European Union in the first three months of the year.

In markets in Buzau County, in the run-up to Easter, lamb is being sold at prices of up to 50 lei. A large proportion of the animals have been sent to countries in the Middle East under export contracts.

According to the DSVSA, in the first part of the year the number of orders did not change significantly compared with the same period last year, but adjustments are possible only after the Easter period.

'Between January and March 2026, according to the registered documents, 65,535 sheep left Buzau County, of which 38,974 were four-month-old lambs, sent to collection centres and third parties. The number of sheep has not changed significantly, the main reason being the subsidies granted by the Romanian state, with the effects of the conflict in the Middle East expected to be felt in the post-Easter period. In Buzau County, lambs may be slaughtered in the four veterinary-authorised abattoirs in the localities of Pogoanele, Caldarasti, Vernesti and Buzau, with identified animals accompanied by a veterinary health certificate, movement form and food chain document. Lambs and lamb meat may be marketed only in veterinary-authorised/registered units,' DSVSA Buzau said.

Veterinary authorities have scheduled inspections in agri-food markets, meat cutting units, food processing and storage facilities for both animal and non-animal products, as well as in retail units, from butcher shops and public catering establishments to bakeries, confectionery laboratories, tourist guesthouses and hypermarkets.

'In order to ensure safe food for citizens and to prevent the occurrence of foodborne illness, in the context of the approaching Easter holidays, DSVSA Buzau will intensify inspections at veterinary-authorised/registered units regarding marketed meat, fish and fishery products, eggs and egg products, milk and dairy products and other traditional products. To ensure continuity in support of the population, permanent duty cover is provided in accordance with work schedules. Vehicles will be checked for compliance with veterinary health regulations by mixed teams made up of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and representatives of our institution,' DSVSA Buzau told AGERPRES.

In all agri-food markets and other specially designated places where seasonal meat and other animal-origin products will be sold, the DSVSA announced that it will ensure sufficient veterinary staff and extended working hours, including on Saturdays and Sundays. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florin Zafiu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)