The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has identified a second outbreak of sheep and goat scab at a livestock facility in the village of Tyanevo, Simeonovgrad Municipality, where 27 sheep are being raised. The owner reported the outbreak after clinical signs of the disease appeared and fully cooperated with veterinary authorities, the Agency announced.

The Regional Food Safety Directorate – Haskovo responded immediately to the report and is coordinating with local authorities to implement measures for rapid containment and to prevent the spread of the disease. A 5-kilometer protection zone and a 20-kilometer surveillance zone have been established around the outbreak site. Measures to control and eradicate the disease have been taken in accordance with European and national legislation. Owners will be compensated under the provisions of the Veterinary Medical Activity Act.

The BFSA informed that the following restrictive measures are being introduced in the settlements within the protection and surveillance zones:

  • a ban on the movement of sheep and goats, with the exception of animals intended for immediate slaughter under specified conditions;
  • mandatory confinement for animal husbandry;
  • a census and update of data in the "VetIS" Integrated Information System for all livestock facilities in both zones, as well as the performance of official veterinary inspections.

Simultaneously, an epizootic investigation is being conducted to trace the movement of animals, products, feed, and vehicles related to the outbreak. Special requirements for the movement and processing of raw milk from the affected areas are being applied in accordance with current legislation. The Agency reminds that although the disease does not pose a danger to humans, it causes significant economic damage when it spreads.

This is the second such event in the region within a short period. In early September, the BFSA discovered a secondary outbreak of sheep and goat scab at a facility in the village of Tyanevo, Simeonovgrad Municipality, where 193 sheep and 140 goats were being raised. At that time, the owner also reported the outbreak after clinical signs appeared and fully cooperated with veterinary authorities, the Agency reported then.