Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Protest in Velingrad in support of farmers with flocks which tested positive for sheep and goat plague

A protest took place in Velingrad in support of the farmers whose flocks of sheep have been quarantined because of positive tests for sheep and goat plague. To stop the spread of the disease, access to the area around the farms has been restricted.

The protest is over a decision by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency to euthanize the sheep because of positive tests for sheep and goat plague. On Thursday, agency officials took tests for the second time, with the samples once again returning positive. The farmers are contesting these results, saying that they have sent samples they have themselves taken to a licensed laboratory in Greece, and that they have retuned negative.

“The samples came back this afternoon – we took 300 tests, and they are 100% positive,” caretaker Minister of Agriculture Georgi Tahov on his part said at a briefing on Friday. “We have no doubts in the first or in the second tests,” Minister Tahov said. The state administration is ready to compensate the farmers affected fully after the animals are euthanized, to cover the disinfection of the facility and to provide other assistance. Minister Tahov stated further that caretaker PM Dimitar Glavchev had tasked him with holding negotiations with the farmers, owners of the sheep in question because there has been interference by a political force.

There is an enhanced police presence but the situation is calm.  



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Employees of Bulgaria's State Railways detained for diesel fuel theft

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained about 20 people - some of whom worked for the Bulgarian State Railways, for large-scale theft of diesel fuel in a specialized operation in the area of ​​the Karnobat railway station. It was established..

published on 2/28/25 1:53 PM

EPPO presses charges against two Bulgarians suspected of fraud for EUR 66,750

The branch of the European Public Prosecutor's Office in Sofia has indicted two individuals suspected of fraud for EUR 66,750. The money comes from the European Social Fund and state co-financing, reported BNR’s correspondent in Brussels Angelina..

published on 2/28/25 12:25 PM

Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel to Greece due to a national strike

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Bulgarian citizens to avoid traveling to Greece because of a planned national strike today. The Foreign Ministry advises people to check the situation in Bulgaria's southern neighbor and the timeliness of flight..

published on 2/28/25 11:31 AM