Croatia given official status as a ovine rinderpest free nation 

ZAGREB, June 3 (Hina) – Croatia has officially received the status of a country free of ovine rinderpest, the contagious disease affecting goats and sheep, the Agricultural Ministry said on Monday.

Croatia was given that status at the 87th general session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), held on May 30, the ministry said.

The status is very important for international trade as it reflects the transparency and quality of a country’s veterinary service, raising the value of the cattle sector and facilitating international trade, it added.

OIE is an organisation of veterinary services of 182 states which maintains relations with nearly 75 international and regional organisations.