SOFIA (AFP) — Bulgaria's national veterinary service confirmed on Wednesday a second oubreak of the rare animal disease brucellosis in the south of the country.
The service said in a statement that 36 goats out of a herd of 70 had tested positive for the rare infection in the southern town of Harmanli.
"All necessary measures for containing the disease have been taken," it added.
The infection in Harmanli spread from a first outbreak in August in the nearby village of Valche pole, where dozens of goats and sheep were found to be infected after a woman fell ill with brucellosis-like symptoms.
Three other people later also tested positive for the disease, which is often difficult to diagnose as its initial symptoms, which include weakness, fever, sweating, headaches, and joint pains, resemble ordinary flu.
Humans can contract brucellosis from contact with sick sheep and goats or by consuming infected meat, milk or cheese.
The disease, which is very rare in Bulgaria, can be fatal for humans but cannot be transferred from one person to another.
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