site.btaPrimary Outbreak of Sheep, Goat Pox Detected in Southern Bulgarian Village

A primary outbreak of sheep and goat pox has been detected in the southern village of Razhevo Konare, Kaloyanovo Municipality, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) said on its website on Friday.

The disease was detected in a livestock facility with 203 sheep, after nearly three months without epidemic manifestations in the village. The owner reported the disease to the competent authorities, promptly responding to the appearance of clinical symptoms of pox among the animals and providing full cooperation to the veterinary authorities.

BFSA said that a 5-kilometre protection zone has been designated around the outbreak, which includes the villages of Razhevo Konare, Glavatar, Chernozemen, Razhevo and Dalgo Pole. A 15-kilometre surveillance zone has also been defined around the outbreak. Measures have been taken to control and eradicate the disease, in accordance with the rules of European and national legislation, the BFSA said, adding that the owner will be compensated accordingly.

The BFSA recalled that the disease does not pose a danger to humans, but when it spreads, it causes significant economic damage. It is transmitted mainly through direct contact between sick and healthy animals, as well as through contaminated feed, equipment and vehicles. All farmers and interested parties should strictly implement biosecurity measures in order to limit and eradicate the disease.