According to a report published by the European Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), small hobby farms are a major risk factor in the potential spread of animal diseases.

Based on inspections by European Food and Veterinary officers in Romania, authorities found improvements in disease prevention and control among farmed animals. However, they also determined that the presence of many small farmers in the country makes it difficult to protect against animal disease outbreaks. Transportation to and from these smaller farms is also a factor as the transport system is not highly developed.