The epizootic situation in Plovdiv District remains complicated due to the ongoing outbreak of sheep and goat pox. In an effort to contain and prevent further spread of the disease, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency has announced an extension of the additional prevention and control measures.

The new order takes effect today (August 26) and will remain in force until it is officially lifted. The measures apply within the territory of Plovdiv District and are also being implemented with the support of the districts of Stara Zagora, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Smolyan, Pazardzhik, Sofia Province, Lovech and Gabrovo. The trade and movement of small ruminants are prohibited, including taking animals out to pasture, with the exception of animals intended for immediate slaughter or in transit. Controls over illegal livestock trade have been tightened. The measures also include sampling in cases of suspected infection and inspections at border checkpoints to prevent illegal imports. The government has still not made a decision to begin vaccination, despite persistent calls from farmers. According to unofficial and unconfirmed information from the sector, some livestock farmers in southern Bulgaria have already begun obtaining vaccines from Turkiye—an act that is unauthorized and illegal, reported journalist Veselina Milanova.

• Bulgaria's Food Safety Agency discusses with EC measures for the prevention of diseases in small ruminants

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA-archive