Bulgarian Food Safety Agency warns against livestock movement near religious sites

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has issued an urgent warning to livestock owners, religious authorities, and local officials regarding the upcoming feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15. Due to a complicated epizootic situation involving sheep pox, the agency is advising against the movement or gathering of sheep and goats near churches, monasteries, and other religious sites.

An outbreak of sheep pox has been detected in a village in the Plovdiv region. The BFSA warns that transporting live animals for donations, sales, or religious offerings (kurvan) poses a significant risk of spreading the disease. Even animals without visible clinical symptoms may originate from affected areas or have been in contact with contaminated materials.

To mitigate risks, the agency mandates that: • Sheep and goats must not be taken from livestock facilities to participate in religious ceremonies or public gatherings. • Animals without proper identification or veterinary documentation must not be bought, sold, or donated. • Animals from different herds should not be gathered together. • Live animals must not be brought into the courtyards or adjacent territories of religious sites. • Unregulated slaughtering in public spaces or near religious sites is prohibited.

For the preparation of religious offerings, only products with proven origins from approved, vet-controlled facilities must be used. The agency emphasizes that the religious nature of these events does not exempt anyone from existing veterinary measures and restrictions in protective or surveillance zones.