Farmers do not let vets to take samples of blood for ovine rinderpest testing

Veterianarians on 20^th of July were not allowed to take samples of blood from a herd in the village of Bolyarovo, South Bulgaria, which on 19th of July was confirmed positive for sheep and goat plague.

It became clear from the presented document that there were not one but two animals that tested positive. The owner of the farm and the veterinarian got into an argument over the accuracy of the document and the actual health state of the animals.

Anna Petrova, sheep breeder: I thought there was one sheep confirmed positive for the disease, but Dr. Kolev brought a document showing that two animals were tested positive. Everyone saw that my animals were alive and healthy. I just cannot understand why they are two, after having one animal that tested positive. I want someone to explain it to me, personally, the minister, if he can. I will not let them take samples, she said.

Dr. Stoyan Kolev: For me, this is an impediment to do my duties. I am here by orders of the minister (of agriculture) to take 60 blood samples. We are not talking about symptoms but about the isolation of the virus. The animals are considered to be in contact and more measures will be undertaken depending on whether there are other animals in contact with the virus, he said.

At present, the 200 sheep in Petrova’s farm remain under quarantine.