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.
What methods are being used to control the plague outbreak at the Velingrad farm?
## Interview: Plague Outbreak in Velingrad
**News Anchor:** We’re joined now by Dr. Maria Petrova, a veterinarian and infectious disease specialist, to discuss the alarming outbreak of plague confirmed at a farm in Velingrad. Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me.
**News Anchor:** This news is undoubtedly concerning. Can you tell us more about the situation?
**Dr. Petrova:** The situation is indeed serious. Over 300 small ruminants at the Velingrad farm have tested positive for plague, a highly contagious bacterial disease. This quick spread highlights the urgency of the situation.
**News Anchor:** What are the immediate steps being taken to control the outbreak?
**Dr. Petrova:** As per European regulations, the focus is on complete eradication of the outbreak. This will likely involve quarantining the affected farm, culling infected animals, and rigorous disinfection procedures. [[1](https://time.com/6996829/plague-black-death-history-new-cases-causes-symptoms-prevention-treatment/)]
**News Anchor:** This must be devastating news for the farmers involved.
**Dr. Petrova:** Absolutely. The Minister of Agriculture has pledged support for the affected breeders, promising them the necessary benefits once the outbreak is contained.
**News Anchor:** How significant is the risk of this outbreak spreading further
**Dr. Petrova:** Plague in animals can pose a risk to humans in rare cases. However, with swift and decisive action, the potential for widespread transmission can be significantly minimized. Public health officials will likely be monitoring the situation closely.
**News Anchor:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing your expertise and insights on this developing situation.
**Dr. Petrova:** You’re welcome.
