site.btaPlovdiv Region's Small Livestock Pox Outbreak Prompts Tightened Controls and Movement Bans

The epizootic situation in Plovdiv Region remains serious due to the outbreak of sheep and goat pox. The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) announced on Tuesday that additional measures are being introduced to limit the spread of the disease.

So far, 54 outbreaks have been confirmed in the region, with the municipalities of Maritsa and Rakovski being the most severely affected. Approximately 3,000 animals have been affected.

Starting on Tuesday, new access restrictions are being imposed on livestock facilities. Visits by employees of State Fund Agriculture, municipal agricultural offices, and other regulatory bodies are being suspended. Registered veterinarians under service contracts are temporarily barred from visiting small ruminant farms unless a specific health concern has been reported.

Milk sampling from farms is also suspended. The Executive Agency for Animal Breeding and Reproduction has ordered the suspension of all visits by breeding association representatives.

Restrictions imposed earlier remain in place, including a ban on grazing, transport, and trade of small ruminants throughout Plovdiv Region. Disinfection procedures are being intensified on farms and at entry and exit points for transport vehicles, including those collecting raw milk.

Farmers are urged to limit access to their facilities for any individuals not directly involved in operations and to strictly follow biosecurity protocols. The nationwide ban on markets and livestock exhibitions involving small ruminants also remains in force.

As part of the standard response to epizootic outbreaks, two main methods are used to dispose of animals: burial at approved sites and incineration. Initially, burial was used, but to optimize the process, authorities have since switched to incineration, in accordance with legislation and expert guidance.