July 28, 2006

Bulgaria halts poultry exports to EU due to bird flu

Bulgaria has banned exports of live poultry and associated products to the European Union (EU) as a preventive measure against the spread of a bird flu-related disease, local media reported on Thursday (Jul 27).

The order from the national veterinary authorities came after a mixture of Newcastle disease and bird flu was detected on Jul 19 in southern Bulgaria.

The ban would remain in place until the European Commission (EC) is expected to deliver its definitive verdict on exports of poultry products from the village of Slanchogled.

The village is to be quarantined for a period of 21 days as a precautionary measure against the disease.

Preliminary tests showed the virus might not be the deadly H5N1 strain virus.

Samples have been sent for further testing.

Bulgaria has culled more than 1,500 chickens and turkeys after the outbreak was discovered on Jul 20, when 107 birds were found dead in the village.