site.btaCase of Anthrax Confirmed at Livestock Farm in Harmanli’s Slavyanovo Village

A case of anthrax, a disease that affects both animals and humans, has been confirmed at a livestock farm in the village of Slavyanovo, Harmanli Municipality (Southern Bulgaria), Regional Governor of Haskovo Dr Stefka Zdravkova told BTA. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the bacterium at the farm, which keeps around 200 sheep and 100 cattle.

Suspicions of infection arose late last week. As a result, vaccination of the animals at the site was carried out and is continuing at nearby farms, Zdravkova said. Disinfection has also been performed. She explained that the microorganism forms spores when exposed to oxygen, allowing it to survive for decades.

Zdravkova, a veterinarian by training and profession, said the case is expected to remain an isolated one. She added that human infection does not occur easily. Veterinary authorities are taking stock of livestock holdings in the area.

The Harmanli Municipal Epizootic Commission is expected to meet Monday to consider additional disease control measures, which are likely to include restricting animal movement from the affected area and limiting shared grazing and watering.