[size=75:3fcelur4]Sofia echo 4 March 2010

Turkish goat and sheep plague poses regional threat

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A highly contagious plague affecting farm animals has broken out in Turkey near the Bulgarian border, Bulgarian.

Bulgarian veterinary authorities have ordered that urgent measures be implemented to prevent the plague spilling over from Turkey and affecting Bulgarian farm animals, the report said.

The plague was discovered in animals in the Turkish town of Lozengrad but currently no other municipal regions in Turkey are affected by the disease.

Nevertheless, Bulgarian authorities have ordered local farmers not to venture closer than 500 metres to the Turkish border from where the animals are grazing.

Meat and diary products crossing the border are reportedly being destroyed as part of pre-emptive measures.

Farms in Bourgas, Yambol and Haskovo are also under "
special surveillance"
.

The plague, which affects small farm animals such as sheep and goats, is not harmful to humans. However, it is highly contagious among animals and has a high mortality rate. The disease has never been recorded on Bulgarian territory.