At a joint briefing in Pazardzhik, Agriculture and Food Minister Dr. Georgi Tahov and Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov assured that the herd in Velingrad would not be killed, despite the outbreak. This decision comes after efforts by the authorities to limit the spread of the infection and protect the health of other farms in the region.
Minister Tahov appealed to livestock breeders to make efforts to protect their herds and avoid purchasing animals at low prices, which may pose a risk for the spread of diseases. He reminded that vaccination for this disease is banned in Bulgaria.
„We expect the local authorities to assist both the livestock breeders and the institutions in fulfilling their duties,“, he added.
According to the Minister, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) and the Ministry of Interior officials will implement all measures to comply with the disease containment order. These actions are aimed at maintaining the health status of other farms in the district.
Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov emphasized that since yesterday, police officers have been conducting checks on trucks suspected of transporting small ruminants to and from the center of the outbreak.
„Everything possible is being done to ensure public order and prevent escalation,“, Ilkov explained. He urged the public to show understanding and follow the instructions of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA).
The briefing was also attended by Pazardzhik Regional Governor, Valentina Kaytazova, who assured that the local administrative authorities would closely monitor the enforcement of the BFSA order. Kaytazova emphasized the importance of coordination between local authorities and state institutions to prevent the spread of the disease.
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