On July 31, 2025, the European Commission (EC) adopted Decision 2025/1483, which expanded the scope of the restrictive measures against sheep and goat pox in Bulgaria. This comes after the emergence of dozens of new outbreaks, including in regions where there had been no cases until now.
What does the decision provide?
Firstly, a complete ban on the export of live sheep and goats from Bulgaria until October 31, 2025 – a measure that affects not only trade with the EU but also with third countries.
Secondly, an expansion of the surveillance zones – from a radius of 3–10 km around an outbreak to covering the entire region where even a single case has been registered.
Additional restrictions on movement are also provided – a ban on the movement of animals to and from additional restriction zones until certain dates.
Also, strict retention of animals.
"Therefore, it is necessary to prohibit the movement of sheep and goats from the protection and surveillance zones to all destinations located outside the outer perimeter of the immediately surrounding areas..."