Bulgaria implements livestock restrictions following sheep scab outbreaks

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has identified two primary outbreaks of sheep and goat scab in different regions of the country.

The first outbreak was detected in a livestock facility in the village of Karnalovo, Petrich municipality, involving 264 small ruminants. Authorities have established a 5-kilometer protection zone covering several villages, including Karnalovo, Mihnevo, and Starchevo, and a 20-kilometer surveillance zone encompassing Petrich and parts of the Strumyani and Sandanski municipalities.

The second outbreak was confirmed in Smolichano, Nevestino municipality, affecting 21 animals. This has triggered a 5-kilometer protection zone including villages such as Smolichano and Stradalovo, and a 20-kilometer surveillance zone extending into the Kyustendil, Boboshevo, Kocherinovo, and Bobov Dol municipalities, as well as parts of Blagoevgrad.

In both regions, strict restrictive measures have been implemented, including mandatory stall housing for animals and bans on the movement of sheep and goats, except for those designated for immediate slaughter. Authorities are conducting animal counts and increasing veterinary inspections. While the disease does not pose a risk to humans, it can cause significant economic damage to farmers. Owners of animals subject to humane euthanasia will be compensated according to veterinary legislation.