site.btaLivestock Sector Warns of Crisis in Dead Animal Disposal

Three animal farming organizations have warned of a critical situation regarding the disposal of dead animals in Bulgaria. The warning was issued in a joint statement by the Union of Poultry Farmers, the Association of Pig Farmers and the Association of Industrial Pig Farming, received by BTA on Friday.

The problem emerged on March 9, when the acceptance and disposal of animal by-products was effectively suspended. As a result, livestock farms are facing difficulties in continuing their operations.

At a meeting with the caretaker Minister of Agriculture and Food, Ivan Hristanov, the sector informed of potential risks. However, the statement notes that, so far, no feedback has been received regarding actions taken by the ministry or the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA).

According to the industry organizations, the crisis will disrupt normal operations at poultry and pig farms across the country, which together house over 13,500,000 birds and 718,000 pigs.

The issue with carcass collection increases the risk of spreading highly pathogenic avian influenza, as well as African swine fever, they warned. The accumulation of dead animals on farms poses a direct threat to biosecurity, animal health, and the environment.

The organizations are calling on the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and the BFSA to take urgent measures to ensure the collection and disposal of animal by-products in accordance with the Veterinary Medicine Act and Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009.

Earlier in the day, the caretaker Minister of Agriculture and Food, Ivan Hristanov, filed a report with the prosecution service concerning alleged abuse in a public procurement procedure for incinerators. He said that the money for animal disposal for a period of three years has been spent for half the time and now money is no longer available. "A situation of a crisis has arisen because a critical service related to veterinary security has been monopolized," Minister Hristanov said. He named the monopolist company: IDDD Logistic.