The restrictive measures have been dropped for the regions of Varna, Shumen, Yambol, Sliven, Haskovo and Kardzhali, announced the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Tzvetan Dimitrov after his participation in sitting in Brussels the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health to DG SANCO with the European Commission. The committee decided late yesterday to allow free movement of livestock - cattle, sheep, goats and pigs for slaughter, but only within the restricted zone, ie Varna, Shumen, Yambol, Sliven, Haskovo and Kardzhali. Only the coastal district of Burgas continue to stay in quarantine., From today the industrial pig farms on the territory of Burgas, with implemented bio-security measures can slaughter their fatted animals in slaughterhouses in the six districts. The animals will be allowed to be moved from one district to another within the areas of restriction. The rest of the measures and restriction that have been adopted are still valid.
European Commission appreciated Bulgaria's efforts in terms of actions and restrictive measures against the spread of FMD which will only affect certain areas not the country, pointed out Minister Dimitrov. He explained that according to the yesterday’s decision farmers from the six districts in the restricted area will be able to sell raw materials and their production within the restricted area, but processing enterprises from these regions will be able to trade throughout the country.
Bulgarian delegation presented up-to- date information on the measures taken against the FMD at the meeting of the Committee. It was reported that samples were taken from the animals from thesettlements on the border with Turkey to the inner part of the country, but only in Kosti village the samples tested positive where the of animals started.
Deputy Minister Dimitrov also raised the issue of co-funding of indemnities by the Commission for the disease under Decision 2009/470/ES. The EC representatives replied that after slaughter of animals and assessment the costs, which should be be realistic, they will decide what part to compensate. Under the decision the size of compensation is 60% ,but the same can be substantially increased if evidence is presented. Dr. Dimitrov assured the Commission that Bulgaria is doing everything possible to tackle with the disease in the shortest possible time.
Both parties agreed that at the beginning of next week, technical mission, involving experts from the European Commission in relation to FMD and possible further actions will be held in Bulgaria.