site.btaSheep Pox Outbreak Confirmed in Malo Konare

An emergency meeting of the Regional Epizootic Commission in Pazardzhik was called after a sheep pox outbreak was confirmed in the village of Malo Konare, the Regional Administration of Pazardzhik said. This follows a new order issued on August 26 by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA), which identified a primary outbreak of sheep and goat pox in the area.

According to BFSA regional office in Pazardzhik, the disease was detected at a livestock farm with 55 sheep. The owner promptly alerted the authorities after observing clinical signs of the disease and has fully cooperated with veterinary officials.

A 3-kilometer protection zone has been established around the outbreak site, which includes the village of Malo Konare, Pazardzhik Municipality. Additionally, a 10-kilometer surveillance zone has been set up. Measures to control and eradicate the disease are being implemented in accordance with EU and national legislation.

The farm owner will be compensated under the provisions of the Veterinary Medical Activity Act.

A ban remains in effect across all municipalities in the Pazardzhik region on the trade, movement, and transport of small ruminants, except for those intended for immediate slaughter or those in transit, provided biosecurity measures are observed. Exhibitions and markets for small ruminants are also prohibited throughout the region.

On Tuesday, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency extended similar control measures for sheep and goat pox in Plovdiv Region as well.