11 new outbreaks of small ruminant pox have been detected, and four more municipalities are affected, BNT reported. This was announced by the Regional Administration after a meeting of the Regional Disaster Protection Headquarters, convened due to the worsening epizootic situation.
The municipalities of Maritsa and Rakovski remain the most severely affected. The situation is also complicated in Kaloyanovo, Brezovo, Saedinenie and Sadovo.
According to the director of the Regional Directorate for Food Safety - Plovdiv, Dr. Chavdar Chavdarov, the total number of outbreaks in the region has increased from 54 to 65. Of these, 42 have already been depopulated. When new outbreaks are detected, confirmed by laboratory analysis, 3- and 10-kilometer zones are determined, in accordance with the requirements of the current legislation.
The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency has also imposed new restrictive measures. Visits by employees of the State Fund "Agriculture", Municipal Services "Agriculture" and other control bodies have been suspended. Visits to small ruminant breeding facilities by registered veterinarians with service contracts have also been temporarily suspended. Access to these sites is allowed only upon notification or upon information about the deteriorated health condition of animals. Sampling of raw milk from farms is also suspended. Visits by representatives of breeding associations have also been suspended.
The restrictions already introduced remain in force: a ban on grazing, transportation and trade in small ruminants on the territory of the Plovdiv region. The ban on holding markets and exhibitions of small ruminants on the territory of the country also remains in force.
The disposal of animals continues using two main methods - burial in approved areas and incineration.
The Ministry of Interior authorities are monitoring the unregulated movement of animals on the territory of the region around the clock. On-duty teams are checking for illegal sale of animals on improvised markets.