State considers purchasing herds in Velingrad for scientific purposes amid anthrax, ministry reports

The state is prepared to buy sheep and goats from the Velingrad municipality in order to develop a second-generation vaccine that distinguishes recovered animals from vaccinated ones. This was stated by Agriculture Minister Plamen Abrovsky, noting that such a decision would allow Brussels to consider lifting the ban on the trade and movement of animals and products in the Pazardzhik region.

Late in 2024, near Velingrad, five herds were registered where anthrax was detected. However, the farmers did not allow euthanasia of the animals. At present, the situation is described as an official outbreak with a ban on movement and leaving the farm. According to Abrovsky, the state has found a solution for the animals to remain alive by purchasing them for scientific purposes, with the destruction of the outbreak expected without declaring a new one.

The minister emphasized that the aim is to create a vaccine that clearly distinguishes those who have been infected from those who are vaccinated. Currently, the available vaccine does not allow the research to determine whether an animal is sick, recovered, or vaccinated. If an agreement is reached with the owners of the five facilities where the animals will go, the likelihood of a new outbreak would be reduced. However, the farmers have not yet agreed to sell the animals to the state, which remains the main obstacle to the deal.

Source: БНР Новини