Bird Flu Center

Following the discovery of a bird flu outbreak in the village of Slunchogled, in the south of the country, Bulgaria fears EU will impose further limitations which could affect its poultry industry. Authorities have already placed a ban on the sale of live birds and the transportation of animals in the region has been forbidden. On Sunday, local veterinarians said that the outbreak was under control, following the culling of all the birds in the area. A ban on poultry and specific products exports would hit the industry even harder, but reports say the European Commission might show lenience and ban only the affected regions of Bulgaria from exporting those products. The bird flu threat has already diminished demand for poultry meat in the country since the beginning of the year. However, experts say that thorough cooking of the meat destroys the virus, thus making it safe to consume.