site.btaAgriculture Minister Describes Situation in Animal Breeding as "Dramatic" Due to Bluetongue

Sofia, August 21 (BTA) - The situation in the animal breeding sector is dramatic on account of the bluetongue outbreak, Agriculture and Food Minister Vassil Groudev said Thursday at a meeting of the Consultative Council on Animal Breeding, quoted by his Ministry. The first outbreak was registered at the end of June, and the peak of the incidence occurred between July 14 and 22. "The peak is receding but the damage remains. We will have to fight the consequences for years," Groudev said.

Ilian Boikovski of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency said that so far 18 regions have bluetongue, with 230 outbreaks. A total of 1,500 animals have so far been affected.

Three million leva are going to be provided for vaccination of animals against the disease.

Groudev said also that when the budget is updated, he will push for transferring national co-payments to animal breeders in a lump sum, instead of in instalments.