37 New Cases of FMD Found in Bulgaria, EC Vows Compensations

Agriculture Minister Naydenov has been in close touch with the EC over the FMD spread. Photo by BGNES

A total of 37 new cases of domestic animals with foot-and-mouth disease have been detected in Southeastern Bulgaria, according to the National Veterinary Service.

The FMD cases were localized in the Burgas District village of Kosti, Director of the NVS Yordan Voynov announced saying also that 530 domestic animals in the village will be eliminated in order to prevent the spread of the disease. The Bulgarian state will compensate their owners at market prices.

The first FMD case in Bulgaria in 12 years was detected last week after a wild boar shot by hunters was found to have the disease.

FMD is highly contagious and, while it is not so dangerous for humans, a possible outbreak may cause severe economic damages.

Earlier on Monday, Bulgaria's Agriculture Minister Miroslav Naydenov talked over the phone with EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli with respect to the measures that the Bulgarian authorities are taking to contain the disease.

Dalli is reported to have welcomed the measures; yet, on Wednesday, experts of the European Commission will arrive to Bulgaria in order to check the situation on the spot and to provide any technical help that might be necessary.

The EU Commissioner has told Naydenov he will propose that Bulgaria should receive a maximum EU compensation for the FMD losses because the Bulgarian veterinary authorities are in charge of protecting the EU external borders.

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