Outbreak of highly aggressive avian influenza in Bulgaria

Three outbreaks of the highly aggressive H5N1 strain of avian influenza have been reported in Bulgaria. The infection was detected on farms in the southern part of the country. The Bulgarian responsible authority has informed the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

These outbreaks of avian influenza occurred at a time when the seasonal incidence of avian influenza in Europe is on the increase. All three farms where avian influenza has been reported are located in the vicinity of the city of Rakovsky.

A total of 28 000 birds were destroyed in the operation. Two poultry farms were rearing ducks.