site.btaOutbreak of Sheep Pox Detected near Kapitan Andreevo

After an outbreak of sheep and goat pox was detected in the Svilengrad village of Kapitan Andreevo near the Turkish and Greek border, a total of 212 sheep were humanely killed and buried, and the livestock facility was disinfected, said Dr. Georgi Iliev, Director of the Regional Food Safety Directorate in Haskovo, on Wednesday.

He pointed out that the clinical picture of the infection appeared on Sunday, while laboratory tests confirmed the virus on Monday. "On Tuesday, the prescribed measures for destruction were taken in accordance with our and European legislation. A three-kilometre protection zone and a ten-kilometre observation zone have been determined", he noted, adding that an epizootic study is being carried out and that clinical examinations of animals in the area are also beginning. He recalled that this is the third outbreak of the disease in small ruminants in Haskovo Region in recent months.

Iliev stated that Hasksovo Regional Governor Dr. Stefka Zdravkova will issue an order with additional biosecurity measures. The movement of animals, exhibitions and markets, and any access to livestock facilities in Svilengrad Region is prohibited as well, with the exception of veterinary authorities in case of suspicion of infection.

Neighboring countries Turkiye and Greece have been notified due to their proximity through the international notification system, Iliev said.

Later in the day, the Plovdiv Regional Administration said that 11 new hotspots have been established, affecting an additional four municipalities. The situation is aggravated also in Kaloyanovo, Brezovo, Saedinenie, and Sadovo.

According to data of the Plovdiv Regional Food Safety Directorate, the total number of hotspots in the region has grown to 65 from 54. Of these, 42 have already been cleared of affected animals.