In December 2025, the European Commission approved Croatia’s request to declare its entire territory free from bovine tuberculosis, ovine and caprine brucellosis and enzootic bovine leukosis, formalised in the Official Journal of the EU on 10 February. ‘This achievement concludes a long-term eradication programme and the dedication of veterinarians – practitioners, official veterinarians of the Croatian Veterinary Institute, veterinary inspectors – and livestock farmers across the country,’ noted Ivan Zemljak, delegate for Croatia at the UEVP and FVE.
Strengthening animal health and trade
With this recognition, Croatia is now free from all Category B diseases under EU animal health legislation (i.e. those requiring mandatory eradication), having already achieved freedom from rabies and bovine brucellosis in 2021. The new status will hopefully enhance consumer confidence and facilitate trade. Movements of cattle, sheep and goats within the EU, as well as exports to third countries, will no longer require additional testing for these diseases, reducing administrative burden and costs for operators.
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