September 3, 2007

Bulgaria reports outbreak of Newcastle disease

Bulgaria's veterinary service confirmed Friday (Aug 31) an outbreak of Newcastle disease in poultry in the northwest of the country, the farming ministry said.

Local veterinary authorities sent bird samples for testing to the national lab after 33 birds in two separate farms died with Newcastle-like symptoms, it said.

The national lab in Sofia confirmed Friday that the birds had died of the milder version of bird flu which is highly contagious among birds.

Local veterinary authorities planned to vaccinate some 24,000 birds in farms in nearby villages to prevent a spread of the disease, the statement said.