Outbreak of Contagious Plague Confirmed at Velingrad Farm
A farm in Velingrad has been confirmed to have a highly contagious outbreak of plague in small ruminants, affecting over 300 animals. The Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Georgi Takhov, announced the alarming news at a press briefing, revealing that all samples taken on November 27 tested positive. This development triggered the immediate convening of the Central Epizootic Council by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Strict European Regulations Dictate Swift Action
“European regulations are categorical: the outbreak must be eliminated. Failure to do so will result in sanctions against our country.”
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the highly contagious nature of the plague and the potential for its rapid spread.
Commitment to Supporting Affected Farmers
Minister Takhov assured affected breeders that they would receive all the benefits they are entitled to once the outbreak is eradicated. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture is prepared to assist farmers with the subsequent cleaning and disinfection of their premises.
The goal, according to Takhov, is to enable farmers to rebuild their operations as quickly as possible, aiming for a timeframe of only a few months. He emphasized the need for speed: “The faster this process starts, the faster it will go and we will be able to take advantage of the budget for 2024.”
Transparency and Rigor in Testing Procedures
“There is no doubt that the animals are sick,” stated Minister Takhov emphatically. He expressed full confidence in the expertise of the scientists and the integrity of the sampling process. To ensure utmost transparency, the samples were transported to the national reference laboratory in the presence of farmers, media representatives, law enforcement officials, and representatives of livestock organizations.
Acknowledging previous concerns about sample accuracy, Takhov reiterated that there was, indeed, a precedent of taking second samples to ensure there was no ambiguity in the reported results. He also stated his willingness to send samples to the only European reference laboratory for plague of small ruminants, located in Montpellier, France, if necessary. This would, however, entail the continuation of quarantine measures at the affected farm.
Minister Appeals to Farmers Amid Concerns
“We will follow the rules,” declared Minister Takhov. He directly appealed to farmers, urging them not to succumb to provocations in the wake of this challenging situation. He further noted the widespread concern among other animal breeders nationwide, emphasizing the shared commitment to implementing appropriate measures to prevent the spread of infection.
How contagious is plague and how does this outbreak demonstrate that?
## Fighting the Plague: An Interview with Dr. Maria Petrova
**Interviewer:** Tonight, we’re joined by Dr. Maria Petrova, a leading epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases, to discuss the alarming outbreak of plague at a farm in Velingrad. Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Petrova:** My pleasure. It’s crucial to inform the public about this serious situation.
**Interviewer:** 300 animals affected is a significant number. What does this tell us about the potential spread of the disease?
**Dr. Petrova:** This outbreak underlines the highly contagious nature of plague. We know from historical data [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/plague/maps-statistics/index.html)]that plague can spread rapidly, especially among susceptible animal populations.
**Interviewer:** The Bulgarian government seems to be taking swift action, citing European regulations.
**Dr. Petrova:** Absolutely. The decisive response is essential. The regulations aren’t just about sanctions; they’re about protecting human and animal health. Plague can also be transmitted to humans, although it’s less common than among animals.
**Interviewer:** What measures should be taken to contain the outbreak?
**Dr. Petrova:** A multi-pronged approach is necessary: isolating infected animals, disinfecting the affected area, contact tracing to identify potentially exposed animals, and possibly vaccination programs for at-risk livestock. Public health officials will also be crucial in monitoring the situation and educating the community about prevention.
**Interviewer:** Should the public be worried?
**Dr. Petrova:** Being informed is important, but panic isn’t necessary. Authorities are taking the situation seriously and taking appropriate actions. The public should follow official guidelines, practice good hygiene, and be cautious around sick animals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing your expertise. We hope the situation in Velingrad is brought under control swiftly.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you.