Bulgarian Food Safety Agency reports African Swine Fever outbreak in Varna

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has announced an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at a livestock facility in the village of Grozdyovo, Dolni Chiflik municipality, within the Varna region.

The agency has issued urgent warnings to citizens and farmers, advising against the purchase of live pigs from unofficial sources such as social media, classified websites, or unknown traders. Authorities emphasized that individuals should not accept or transport animals without proper identification and required veterinary documentation.

Regarding wildlife, the BFSA instructed the public not to touch or move any dead wild pigs found in nature. Instead, citizens should record the location via GPS or landmarks and report the find to the agency immediately. While ASF does not pose a direct risk to human health, the agency warned that people can mechanically spread the virus through clothing, footwear, vehicles, and equipment.