site.btaLivestock Sector Divided over Vaccination - Agriculture Minister

The livestock sector is deeply divided and largely opposes vaccination for various reasons, Bulgarian Agriculture and Food Minister Georgi Tahov said on Monday, addressing the official opening of the 9th Global Conference on Wine Tourism in Plovdiv.

Tahov said the vaccination debate was largely prompted by an outbreak of sheep and goat pox. "Vaccination is not a cure-all. For nearly 20 days, we have consulted relevant industry associations, livestock breeders and dairy processors. We have followed all regulatory and administrative procedures. We enlisted Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev. We held two central epizootic councils to hear recommendations and updates from the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency regarding the epizootic situation in the country. Subsequently, meetings were held nationwide to round up opinions from livestock breeders and dairy processors about the best way to tackle the issue," he explained.

According to the Мinister, there are two options: vaccination or tightening all other measures, such as raising biosafety standards and stopping unlawful trade in animals.

"Last week, we met with the parliamentary groups of GERB-UDF, There Is Such a People, and MRF – New Beginning. Tomorrow, we are scheduled to meet with BSP-United Left. Only after these meetings and a thorough an analysis of all the information, including the pros and cons of vaccination, will we announce our political decision," Tahov emphasized.

He recalled that the sheep and goat pox outbreak peaked in July, with 25 to 40 cases reported daily. "In the last three weeks, we have had about three outbreaks per week, indicating that the measures we have taken are having a preventive effect," Tahov said.

The Minister also commented on Bulgaria's wine sector, describing it as one of the most resilient in the entire agricultural sector. "Bulgaria has excellent conditions: soil, climate, and tradition. It is one of the top destinations for wine tourism, established wine-producing communities, and wine exports. Bulgaria exports to nearly all EU Member States and many third countries, such as Japan, China, and even the US. This business remains stable and provides many jobs," he said.

Asked about future development, Tahov said that due to climate change, winemakers must select more drought-resistant grape varieties.