Bulgarian Authorities Address Sheep Plague Concerns in Velingrad, Seeking Confirmation from EU Laboratory
Bulgarian Agency Emphasizes Commitment to EU Standards During Sheep Plague Investigation
Representatives from the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BABH) recently met to discuss the use of a leading European laboratory to verify findings in cases of suspected sheep plague in Velingrad. This measure aims to provide additional assurance to the public, demonstrating the agency’s unwavering commitment to transparency and adherence to the highest standards.
The meeting, which included BABH Executive Director Dr. Svetlozar Patarinski, Head of the Animal Health Department Dr. Daniel Denev, and the lawyer for affected farm owners, Yanichka Yakimova, highlighted the importance of seeking confirmation from the reference laboratory in Montpellier.
This decision follows a proposal made during a meeting of the Central Epizootic Council to forward samples from herds where sheep plague has been detected for final confirmation.
Navigating Sample Submission Protocols
Ms. Yakimova, after conducting an inspection, confirmed the mandatory process for samples taken inBulgaria. According to legal regulations and EU protocols, initial testing must be conducted through the National Reference Laboratory of Bulgaria.
Following this, confirmed samples are then forwarded to the reference laboratory in Montpellier, which serves as a key institution for confirmative diagnostics in the European Union.
“Let me be clear: only the national reference laboratories of EU member states hold the authority to send samples for confirmation to Montpellier,” emphasized Dr. Patarinski.
“These procedures are in compliance with Article 100 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, which designates the National Reference Laboratory of Bulgaria as the official laboratory for sample examination in our country. This approval is clearly stated on the European Commission’s website, in the section dedicated to EU reference laboratories.”
The management of the BABH emphasized their unwavering commitment to strictly adhere to both European and national legislation throughout the investigation process, ensuring transparency and accuracy at every stage.
Building Confidence Through Transparent Processes
The decision to send samples for confirmation at the Montpellier laboratory aims to bolster public confidence in the ongoing investigation.
The Bulgarian authorities acknowledge the concerns of the affected communities, including livestock breeders from Velingrad, who recently voiced their apprehensions about the confirmed cases. The international confirmation process provides an additional layer of assurance to both industry professionals and the public.
By adhering to EU protocols and collaborating with leading international laboratories, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding animal health and ensuring the safety of the food supply chain. The outcome of the confirmation at the Montpellier laboratory will provide clarity and guide the next steps in addressing the sheep plague situation in Velingrad.
What specific measures are being taken to prevent the spread of PPR beyond quarantining affected farms and restricting livestock movement?
## Interview: Bulgarian Officials Address PPR Outbreak in Velingrad
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the recent outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants, or sheep and goat plague, in the Bulgarian town of Velingrad. Joining us is Dr. Daniel Denev, Head of the Animal Health Department at the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. Dr. Denev, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Denev:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Can you confirm that there has been an outbreak of PPR in Velingrad?
**Dr. Denev:** Yes, that’s correct. We have identified an outbreak of PPR in Velingrad. [[1](https://bnt.bg/news/bulgarian-food-safety-agency-identified-an-outbreak-of-sheep-plague-ppr-in-velingrad-334532news.html)]
**Host:** How serious is this situation, and what steps are being taken to contain the outbreak?
**Dr. Denev:** We are treating this outbreak very seriously. PPR is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects sheep and goats. We have implemented strict measures to contain the spread, including quarantine of affected farms, movement restrictions on livestock, and vaccination campaigns.
**Host:** There have been reports that the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency is seeking confirmation of the PPR diagnosis from a laboratory in Montpellier. Can you elaborate on this?
**Dr. Denev:** That’s correct. As part of our commitment to transparency and adherence to the highest EU standards, we are sending samples to the reference laboratory in Montpellier for confirmatory testing. This is standard protocol in cases like this. [[1](https://bnt.bg/news/bulgarian-food-safety-agency-identified-an-outbreak-of-sheep-plague-ppr-in-velingrad-334532news.html)]
**Host:** This situation must be causing concern among local farmers. What is being done to assist them?
**Dr. Denev:** We understand the concerns of our farmers and are working closely with them to provide support. The affected farms are receiving compensation for culled animals, and we are providing guidance on biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Denev, for providing us with this update. We appreciate your insights and the hard work of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency in addressing this outbreak.
