Bird flu (Influenza A) has been found on a farm with about 32,920 laying hens in the village of Trilistnik, in Rakovski municipality, Plovdiv region. Bulgaria's food safety agency (BABH) says fairs, markets and shows for birds can no longer be held anywhere in the country.
The agency says it has taken steps under EU and national rules to contain and wipe out the disease. The farm, its equipment and its vehicles are still to be cleaned and disinfected.
A 3 km protection zone has been set up around the farm. It covers the villages of Trilistnik and Rogosh in Maritsa municipality. The 10 km surveillance zone in Maritsa municipality includes the villages of Voyvodino, Dink, Krislovo, Kalekovets, Zhelyazno, Yasno Pole, Manolsko Konare, Manole and Skutare. It also takes in the city of Plovdiv, the town of Rakovski with the villages of Stryama and Shishmantsi, and the town of Sadovo.
In both zones, birds must be kept indoors only. Releasing birds to restock game is also banned. BABH is counting the birds, carrying out clinical checks and stepping up inspections of poultry farms and their biosecurity. If it suspects the disease, the agency sends samples to a laboratory.
Birds, eggs, poultry meat and poultry products can be traded and moved only if the restrictions are followed.
An epizootic investigation is also due. BABH will trace the movement of domestic and other birds in the zones, as well as their products and animal by-products, bird feed and transport linked to production.