Since the beginning of 2021, two outbreaks have been confirmed in herds of the East Balkan pig breed, reported BFSA. It is the fifth outbreak in domestic pigs this year. The most recent outbreak affects 180 pigs.

In accordance with EU rules, national legislation, and the ASF Emergency Control Plan, the BFSA has taken measures to eradicate the outbreak. The humane killing and disposal of affected animals is imminent.

To minimise spread, restriction zones have been created. This includes a 3-km protection zone, which covers the lands in the Municipality of Maritsa in the villages of Radinovo, Kostievo, Benkovski, Voysil and Tsaratsovo.

A 10-km supervisory zone, which includes the villages of Stroevo and Trud from the Municipality of Maritsa, Plovdiv, Plovdiv, the villages of Zlatitrap, Orizari and Kadievo in the Municipality of Rodopi, and in the Municipality of Stamboliyski - the town of Stamboliyski and the village of Joakim Gruevo, has also been established.

Clinical examinations and laboratory supervision will be carried out in the pig farms that fall within the 3- and 10-kilometer zones.

An epizootic study is to be carried out by experts from the Food Agency, together with the Center for Risk Assessment in the Food Chain. The aim is to identify the potential source of infection and the way the animals are infected on the farm.