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4 clusters · 22 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated

Anthrax outbreaks in Hungary and Bulgaria

Overview

In mid-August 2026, the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) confirmed anthrax in a cattle herd in Hungary’s Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county after six animals died abruptly. Authorities suspected the infection originated from contaminated pastureland. In response, officials implemented a local lockdown and a vaccination program for the affected herd.

By late August, the situation expanded to Bulgaria’s Lovech region. The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) confirmed a primary outbreak in the village of Stefanovo at a livestock farm housing 205 cattle. Three individuals tested positive for the cutaneous form of the disease and are receiving treatment. The infection is suspected to have occurred after the farm owner consumed meat from a cow that showed signs of illness on August 16.

By early September, the outbreak expanded across Bulgaria. The BFSA confirmed additional cases in the Tsar Kaloyan municipality near Razgrad, specifically in the village of Ezerche, involving 170 cattle. Similar outbreaks have been reported in regions near Silistra and Haskovo. In response to the Razgrad cases, authorities have restricted animal movement, mandated vaccinations, and implemented disinfection protocols. No new human infections have been reported in these specific areas.

Dr. Angel Mavrovski, former director of the BFSA, has criticized the agency, alleging an “administrative collapse” caused by political appointments and insufficient state control. Mavrovski warned of risks from illegal imports, particularly dairy from Turkey, and highlighted potential disinfection failures in the Lovech region following the initial detections.

Entities

Stefanovo · Lovech · Bulgarian Food Safety Agency · Regional Food Safety Directorate Lovech · Lovech Province

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Anthrax outbreaks confirmed in multiple Bulgarian regions

    Anthrax outbreaks have been confirmed in several Bulgarian regions, including Razgrad and Lovech. Authorities have implemented livestock quarantines while experts warn of systemic food safety failures.

  2. 12 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Anthrax outbreak in Stefanovo, Bulgaria hospitalizes three people

    Three people are hospitalized following an anthrax outbreak at a cattle farm in Stefanovo, Bulgaria. Authorities have identified 21 contacts and vaccinated hundreds of animals to contain the spread.

  3. 17 days ago

    [HEALTH] 17 sources
    Anthrax outbreak in Stefanovo, Bulgaria infects three people and 205 cattle

    An anthrax outbreak in Stefanovo, Bulgaria, has infected three people and 205 cattle. Authorities have quarantined the farm, identified 21 contacts, and begun mass vaccination of local livestock.

  4. 29 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Anthrax confirmed in cattle herd in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

    Anthrax has been confirmed in a cattle herd in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Hungary, after six animals died suddenly. Authorities have ordered a local lockdown and started vaccinations.

Sources

a-specto.bg · actualno.com · breaking.bg · crimes.bg · espreso.co.rs · fakti.bg · moreto.net · n1info.ba · opserver.mk · oslobodjenje.ba · pleven.info · press24.mk · prv.mk · racin.mk · ruse.news · safenews.bg · securityadvisor.com · telegraph.bg · trafficnews.bg · varna24.bg · vesti.bg · viaranews.com

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history