February 2, 2011

Bulgaria confirms third FMD outbreak in Strandzha region

Bulgarian veterinary authorities have confirmed that the Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has infected 14 animals in the southeastern Bulgarian village of Gramatikovo.

This is the third outbreak of FMD in the South Eastern Strandzha Mountains region for January, after the disease was discovered in the villages of Kosti and Rezovo. About 1100 blood samples of animals from the region have been tested, out of which only the 13 announced Monday (Jan 31) were found to be positive.

All animals susceptible to FMD in the village of Gramatikovo will have to be killed, which amounts to one cow, 38 sheep and 111 goats. The movement of animals through Gramatikovo has been completely forbidden; there are also limitations on the movement of persons.