BABH has notified the prosecutor’s office because of the silence of veterinarians in Velingrad for over two weeks
The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has detected the first outbreak of plague of small ruminants for the last six years. The disease has been confirmed in a city VelingradVelingrad municipality, Pazardzhik district. It was found in five interconnected livestock farms, where a total of 1769 sheep are raised.
According to ODBH-Pazardzhik, the disease was concealed for more than two weeks by the owners of the sites. During this period the animals were treated by registered veterinarians without notifying the competent authorities. In this case, BABH has referred the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Bulgaria.
A 3-kilometer safety zone has been defined around the outbreak, which includes the city of Velingrad, commune. Velingrad, region Pazardzhik.
A 10-kilometer monitoring zone has been defined around the outbreak, which includes the villages of Alendarova, Dolna Dabeva, Sveta Petka, Grashevo from the municipality of Velingrad, Pazardzhik region; Rakitovo town, Kostandovo town, Dorkovo village from Rakitovo municipality, Pazardzhik district.
Humane killing and disposal of all infected and contact small ruminants at the site was undertaken.
Some of the measures include restricting the movement of small ruminants on the territory of the district, with the exception of those destined for immediate slaughter; clinical examinations are carried out in all facilities for public health in the territory of the district, etc.
The disease does not pose a danger to humans, but when it spreads, it causes significant economic damage. BABH reminds that non-compliance with biosecurity rules and concealment of information about diseases create a serious risk for animal health.
It is the responsibility of farmers and registered veterinarians to inform the authorities in a timely manner when symptoms of rinderpest are detected in small ruminants.
The last registered case of plague among small ruminants in our country was in the summer of 2018. in the Bolyarovo region, Yambol district.
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What specific biosecurity protocols are being implemented by Bulgarian authorities to prevent the spread of PPR to neighboring livestock regions?
## Interview: The Return of Plague in Bulgarian Sheep
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing a concerning development in Bulgarian agriculture: the re-emergence of plague in small ruminants after a six-year lull. Joining us are Dr. Maria Ivanova, a veterinarian specializing in infectious diseases, and Georgi Petrov, a representative from the Bulgarian National Sheep Farmers Association.
**Section 1: Understanding the Threat**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Ivanova, could you explain what plague in small ruminants is, its symptoms, and why it poses a significant threat to Bulgarian agriculture?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Certainly. Plague in small ruminants, also known as PPR, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats. It’s characterized by fever, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and often leads to death. While it doesn’t pose a direct threat to humans, PPR can devastate flocks, causing significant economic losses for farmers and potentially impacting Bulgaria’s agricultural industry.
**Interviewer:** Georgi, how widespread do you believe this current outbreak could become? What concerns do sheep farmers have?
**Georgi Petrov:** This outbreak is deeply concerning. While the initial cases are concentrated in Velingrad, the proximity to other major livestock regions is worrisome. Farmers are understandably alarmed about the potential for rapid spread, the financial burden of culling infected animals, and the potential disruption to trade. We need swift, decisive action to contain this disease.
**Section 2: Addressing the Issue**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Ivanova, what specific measures are being taken to control the outbreak? How effective do you believe they will be?
**Dr. Ivanova:** The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency is implementing a series of crucial measures. This includes establishing quarantine zones, culling infected and potentially exposed animals, and implementing strict biosecurity protocols. Early detection and reporting are also critical.
**Interviewer:** Georgi, from a farmer’s perspective, what support do you believe is needed from the government and agricultural authorities to effectively combat PPR?
**Georgi Petrov:** Financial assistance for farmers who lose animals, rapid testing and diagnostic services, and clear, readily accessible information about the disease and its control measures are essential. We also need increased support for research and development of effective vaccines against PPR.
**Section 3: Looking Ahead**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Ivanova, what lessons can be learned from this outbreak? What steps can be taken to prevent future occurrences of PPR?
**Dr. Ivanova:** This outbreak underscores the importance of proactive surveillance, timely reporting of suspected cases, and strict adherence to biosecurity measures. Continuous farmer education about PPR, its symptoms, and prevention strategies is vital.
**Interviewer:** Georgi, what message would you like to send to fellow sheep farmers in light of this outbreak?
**Georgi Petrov:** Remain vigilant. Implement strict biosecurity practices on your farms. Report any suspected cases immediately to the authorities. Working together, we can overcome this challenge through awareness, cooperation, and informed action.
**Closing:**
We’d like to thank Dr. Ivanova and Georgi Petrov for sharing their expertise and insights on this important issue. The re-emergence of PPR in Bulgaria highlights the constant threat of infectious diseases to animal health and food security. By raising awareness, promoting preventive measures, and working collaboratively, we can strive to protect our livestock and ensure the sustainability of our agricultural systems.
