The municipality of Strelcha has announced a series of preventive measures aimed at halting the spread of Bluetongue disease among ruminants, following confirmed outbreaks in nearby regions.
The highly infectious disease, which primarily affects sheep and goats, was recently detected in the villages of Topolidol in both the Plovdiv and Pazardzhik districts, prompting swift intervention by local authorities.
As part of the new restrictions, the trade, movement, and transportation of sheep and goats within and out of Strelcha have been suspended until further notice.
The municipality has also placed a temporary ban on livestock markets, exhibitions, and any other gatherings involving animals, in an effort to limit potential transmission routes.
Veterinary supervision has been heightened across all livestock facilities in the municipality. Officials stressed that strict adherence to biosecurity measures is essential, including monitoring of herds, disinfection protocols, and early reporting of suspicious cases.
Farmers are urged to cooperate closely with veterinarians and municipal authorities to ensure compliance with the new rules.
One of the key concerns in controlling Bluetongue is its transmission through insect vectors, particularly biting midges. To address this, the municipality has prohibited livestock grazing between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m., the peak hours for mosquito activity.
The measure is designed to minimize animal exposure to insect bites, which are the main drivers of disease spread.
Livestock owners have been instructed to immediately notify their veterinarian or the mayor of their settlement if they observe symptoms such as fever, swelling, or unexplained deaths among animals.
Municipal and veterinary officials are then required to alert the Regional Directorate for Food Safety to ensure rapid response and containment.
“These restrictions are preventive in nature. Our goal is to protect herds in Strelcha and the surrounding areas from further infections,” a municipal spokesperson said. “We are taking this issue very seriously to preserve animal health and prevent economic losses for farmers.”
The outbreak in Topolidol has raised concerns among agricultural communities across Bulgaria, as the disease can lead to significant losses in livestock populations.
Although Bluetongue does not pose a threat to humans, its impact on animal health and trade makes it a major challenge for affected regions. Farmers have expressed both concern and cautious support for the measures.
While the restrictions are expected to temporarily disrupt trade and daily operations, many acknowledge the importance of prevention to safeguard future herd productivity. Veterinary experts have also emphasized that timely reporting and adherence to grazing bans are crucial in reducing risks.
Authorities have assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation and will adjust measures depending on how the outbreak develops. Until then, Strelcha remains on high alert, with prevention efforts focused on protecting its livestock and containing the disease before it spreads further.