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As of early December 2019, Bulgaria reported 41 African swine fever (ASF) cases in domestic hogs and 134 cases in wild boars. The last detection in domestic pigs was reported on October 23.
To date, the reported number of culled animals is over 140,000 which is 21 percent of the national swine inventory. There are no official data reflecting backyards pigs voluntarily culled, although unofficial estimates range from 1,000 to 10,000 pigs, others say up to 50,000 pigs.
ASF-related losses are at upwards of €25 million. In early December, the GOB allocated 3.7 million leva (€1.9 million) for further ASF containment and prevention. Depopulating wild boars remains a high priority for the GOB.
As of December 2019, the GOB reported that Bulgaria’s animal health situation has significantly improved; there have not been any new outbreaks in domestic pigs for a month and a half. Estimates say Bulgaria may need at least 3 years to recover its pig population.
Official data for slaughter (excluding backyard farms) for January-August 2019 shows a 22-percent increase, but only a 6.7-percent increase in pork production, mainly because farms had to slaughter animals at lower carcass weight.
December 12, 2019 /USDA/ Bulgaria.
https://www.fas.usda.gov/
