Anthrax outbreaks confirmed in multiple Bulgarian regions

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has confirmed anthrax outbreaks in several regions, including the village of Ezerche in the Tsar Kaloyan municipality near Razgrad, where 170 cattle were being raised. Similar cases have been reported in areas near Silistra, Lovech, and Haskovo. In response to the Razgrad outbreak, authorities have implemented quarantine measures, including restricting animal movement, mandating vaccinations for susceptible livestock, and conducting disinfection protocols. Currently, there are no reports of human infections related to these specific livestock outbreaks.

Dr. Angel Mavrovski, former director of the BFSA, has criticized the agency, claiming it is facing an administrative collapse due to political appointments and a lack of effective state control. Mavrovski warned that the Bulgarian market is flooded with low-quality products and highlighted risks from illegal imports, particularly dairy products from Turkey, which may bypass inspections and carry infectious diseases. He specifically noted concerns regarding disinfection failures in the Lovech region following anthrax detections.