site.btaInspections Do Not Find Illegal Trafficking, Sale of Pox-Infected Animals in Plovdiv Region Amid Outbreak

Since the beginning of July, a total of 1,380 inspections have been conducted by the Plovdiv police in the region to prevent illegal trafficking and sale of animals infected with pox, said Chief Inspector Kostadin Spasov. So far, no violations have been detected.

By July 22, 54 outbreaks were confirmed in the region, affecting approximately 3,000 animals.

On Thursday morning, officers are carrying out inspections in the municipality of Maritsa, stopping vehicles suspected of engaging in such activities - including vans, light commercial vehicles, and heavy trucks.

Monitoring is also being conducted on the organization of markets, or exhibitions involving such animals, primarily goats and sheep. In the event of a violation, a team from the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency will carry out an inspection to determine and impose appropriate sanctions on the offenders, added Chief Inspector Spasov.

He added that reports have been submitted about illegal trading near animal markets in the region, which led to the organization and execution of a total of 16 specialized police operations around markets and bazaars. However, so far, no illegal trade involving small ruminants has been identified.

"At the same time, we are also conducting extensive preventive work. We have carried out visits to livestock farmers. In total, around 137 farms where sheep and goats are raised have been visited. All producers have been warned in accordance with the Ministry of Interior Act about the epizootic measures introduced by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency," Spasov added.

Checkpoints are being set up at various locations across the region at different times of day and night. So far, the municipalities affected by pox in small ruminants are Maritsa, Sadovo, Saedinenie, Parvomay, and Karlovo.