site.bta32 Human Samples from Brucellosis-Hit Town of Rila Sent for Testing

32 Human Samples from Brucellosis-Hit Town of Rila Sent for Testing

Kyustendil, Southwestern Bulgaria, August 3 (BTA) - Samples from 32 residents of the town of Rila, Kyustendil Region, were sent to Sofia for medical testing after a brucellosis outbreak was reported in the area last week, Kyustendil Deputy Regional Governor Silvia Velkova told BTA on Monday. No new brucellosis cases have been diagnosed in humans since last Thursday's announcement of 11 patients infected with the disease, said Velkova, who chairs the Regional Epizootics Commission.

The samples were taken over the last couple of days, mainly from relatives of those who had tested positive, she said.

The outbreak was first detected in three farms in Rila and announced on July 29. Back then, 15 goats tested positive for brucellosis.

Velkova said all necessary measures have been taken to stop the infection from spreading. Experts are conducting a serological survey of all animals in Rila. Infected animals are being culled. Local residents have been banned from using milk, dairy products and other animal foods. Animals may not be slaughtered or transported into or out of the town.