Sheep pox outbreak confirmed in Konush, Haskovo region

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has confirmed a new outbreak of sheep pox in the village of Konush, Haskovo region. The infection was detected in a livestock facility housing 81 sheep after the owner reported clinical signs of the disease.

This marks the third outbreak in the Haskovo region within a few weeks, following previous incidents in Tyanevo where over 200 animals were culled. In response, Regional Governor Todor Ivanov has convened the Regional Epizootic Commission.

Authorities have established a 5-kilometer protection zone encompassing the villages of Konush, Trakiets, Voyvodovo, Orlovo, Mandra, and Kozlets. Additionally, a 20-kilometer surveillance zone has been implemented, covering numerous settlements across the Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Stambolovo, and Mineralni Bani municipalities, as well as parts of the Kardzhali and Chernoochene municipalities.

Restrictive measures are now in effect within these zones, including a ban on the movement of sheep and goats, except for animals designated for immediate slaughter under specific conditions. Veterinary officials are conducting animal counts, updating information in the VetIS system, and performing epizootic investigations to track the movement of animals, products, and feed.