Monkeypox epidemic terrorizes Bulgarian livestock farming: 60 hotspots threaten the sector

The livestock sector in Bulgaria is falling into a serious crisis due to an unprecedented spread of the monkeypox epidemic. Experts from the industry report nearly 60 infectious outbreaks registered since the beginning of the calendar year.

Simeon Karakolev, co-chairman of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Association, emphasized the exceptional danger of the disease. "The situation is extremely serious," he said on the air of an information broadcast, adding that the first cases were documented last year.

According to official data, the disease has extremely high infectivity and practically fatal outcomes for affected animals. The problem is not local – neighboring countries such as Romania and Greece are also seriously affected, with over 200,000 animals already destroyed in Greece.

Authorities are taking urgent restrictive measures to prevent the spread. The main actions include a ban on animal gatherings, suspension of inter-village movements, and introduction of a strict quarantine regime on farms.

Karakolev recommended additional restrictions, including police checks on vehicles transporting animals, and a complete ban on external persons entering farm holdings. As an alternative preventive strategy, experts are considering circular vaccination in affected areas.

The epidemiological situation is characterized by a sharp increase in cases over the past week. Specialists reassure that the disease does not pose a direct threat to humans, but call for maximum vigilance and strict adherence to the introduced anti-epidemic protocols.

National authorities are working together with industry organizations to locate and completely suppress the infectious outbreaks. A detailed analysis of the epidemic situation and possible introduction of additional restrictive measures are pending.