Bulgarian Food Safety Agency confirms sheep pox outbreaks

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has confirmed two outbreaks of sheep pox affecting sheep and goats in the Blagoevgrad and Yambol regions.

In the Blagoevgrad region, the primary outbreak was identified in two epidemiologically linked livestock facilities involving a total of 202 animals. Following the report, authorities established a 5-kilometer protection zone and a 20-kilometer surveillance zone covering numerous villages across the Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil districts.

In the Yambol region, a primary outbreak was detected in a facility containing 135 sheep and their offspring. This has resulted in a 5-kilometer protection zone and a 20-kilometer surveillance zone encompassing parts of the Yambol, Sliven, and Burgas regions.

Restrictive measures have been implemented, including a ban on the movement of sheep and goats, except for animals designated for immediate slaughter under specific conditions. Livestock in the affected areas must be kept under controlled conditions, and veterinary authorities are conducting counts and data updates in accordance with national and European legislation.