EC experts arrive to check Bulgaria’s FSA measures against sheep and goat plague

An expert mission of the European Commission arrives on 16th of July to examine whether the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency is doing well enough with the measures related to battling the outbreak of sheep and goat plague (Peste des Petits Ruminants) in the border areas.

If any gaps are found, the quarantine zone will be increased. To date, nearly 4,000 animals have been slaughetred in the affected six villages, with at least one infected goat or sheep found in each herd. This is a sufficient reason for euthanizing the rest of the animals, because once introduced, the virus can infect all animals in a herd. The Food Safety Agency has also announced that it will delay the payment of indemnities, because the sums are to be increased by a decision of the Council of Ministers.

By orders of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, a disease management team will coordinate the measures against the spread of plague in small ruminants. The team will also monitor the support that is given to the owners. It will work to handle the situation.