Sheep and goat pox in Bulgaria 2026: EU restrictions and what operators must do

Key data

Sheep and goat farming holdings in Bulgaria and commercial operators working with these animals or their products face updated restrictions from 22 June 2026. The Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1408 amends the previous emergency regulations—Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1160—in response to the persistence of sheep and goat pox outbreaks in Bulgarian territory.

The objective is twofold: to contain the disease within Bulgaria and prevent it from spreading to other EU Member States. The regulation takes immediate effect from its official notification, meaning there is no adaptation period: the measures are enforceable from the same day they enter into force.

What does this regulation establish?

Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1408 updates the framework of emergency veterinary health measures applicable in Bulgaria. The central elements it establishes are as follows:

• Update of movement restrictions: The restrictions applicable to movements of animals, products and risk materials from affected areas in Bulgaria are modified.
• Affected areas: The measures are limited to Bulgarian territory where active outbreaks of sheep and goat pox have been detected.
• Reinforced border controls: All EU Member States must apply reinforced controls on movements from Bulgarian restricted areas.
• Notification obligation: Member States must notify European authorities of any incidents related to movements of affected animals or products.
• Immediate effect: The regulation is applicable from the moment of its official notification, without a transitional period.

This decision amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1160, which established the initial emergency framework. The 2026 update reflects the evolution of the epidemiological situation in Bulgaria and adjusts the measures to the current circumstances of the outbreak.

Economic and operational impact

Movement restrictions on animals and products have direct consequences for the value chain of the sheep and goat sector originating from or transiting through Bulgaria:

• Paralysis or limitation of exports: Operators marketing live animals, meat, milk or other products derived from Bulgarian sheep and goats may see their shipments to other Member States blocked or conditional.
• Border control costs: Importers and exporters must bear the costs associated with reinforced border controls, which include additional veterinary inspections and possible merchandise retention.
• Risk of batch rejection: Batches from affected areas that do not meet requirements may be rejected at the border, with the consequent economic cost to the operator.
• Notification obligations: Operators and competent authorities must maintain active traceability and notification systems, which represents an additional administrative burden.
• Impact on prices: The restriction of supply from Bulgaria may generate price tensions in the sector in connected European markets.

Who does it affect?

• Sheep and goat farming holdings in Bulgaria located in areas declared as affected by the outbreak.
• Commercial operators importing animals or products (meat, milk, derivatives) of sheep and goats from Bulgaria to other EU Member States.
• Commercial operators exporting to Bulgaria animals or risk materials related to these species.
• Veterinary and border control authorities of all EU Member States, obliged to apply reinforced controls.
• Transport and logistics companies managing movements of live animals or products of these species originating from or destined for Bulgaria.
• European importers and distributors that have Bulgaria as a source of sheep or goat supply.

Practical example

A Spanish operator who regularly imports live lambs from a holding located in an affected area of Bulgaria for fattening in Spain must, from 22 June 2026, verify that the animals comply with the new movement restrictions established by Decision 2026/1408. If the area of origin is included in the updated restricted areas, the movement may be prohibited or conditional on additional veterinary controls at the border.

In practice, this means the operator must: (1) confirm with their Bulgarian supplier the health status of the area of origin, (2) contact the competent veterinary authorities to verify whether the movement is permitted under the new restrictions, and (3) prepare the required health documentation for reinforced border controls. Failure to comply may result in rejection of the batch at the entry point to Spain.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify the status of areas of origin: Check whether Bulgarian supplier holdings are located in areas affected by the updated restrictions in Decision 2026/1408.
2. Review contracts and commercial agreements: Evaluate whether supply contracts with Bulgarian operators include force majeure clauses or health restrictions that may be activated by these measures.
3. Contact competent veterinary authorities: Consult with the Ministry of Agriculture or the national veterinary authority to learn the specific requirements for reinforced border controls applicable.
4. Update traceability procedures: Ensure that animal and product traceability systems comply with the notification obligations required of Member States.
5. Prepare health documentation: Gather and update the veterinary certificates and health documentation necessary for movements that are permitted under the new restrictions.
6. Evaluate alternative supply sources: If movements from Bulgaria are blocked, identify alternative suppliers in other Member States to avoid supply chain interruptions.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601408