Poisoning in Eastern Rhodopes

18.07.2013

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Everything began on the 15th of July when our volunteer Sanie saw a dog with foam on its mouth in Dolni Glavanak village. Her reaction was very fast: after short investigation the owner was found, but it was too late for the dog. Sanie, suspected that the reason was poisoning. A signal at 112 was sent and with the help of local people and veterinarians from Madzharovo search for other poisoned animals was organized. One fox and four more dogs were found dead very close to the first victim. The animals were buried in order to prevent second poisoning. Samples were taken and will be sent to the Central veterinarian and ecology laboratory in Sofia for analyses. The incident is very worrisome as Arda river valley is the last realm for wild griffon vultures in Bulgaria and where Egyptian vulture population has its highest density.  The vultures are natural cleaners of carcasses and dead animals, but they are vulnerable (like every living creature on the planet) to human artificial toxics and venoms. In the past we remember many cases when mushroom pickers and their whole families were poisoned after collecting and eating eatable mushrooms. The reason is that mushrooms have concentrated poison from the soil where poison baits were illegaly placed by people. In these cases the law is very strict for that kind of criminal actions. BSPB will ensure presence in the area in order to prevent further incidents, the police was also informed and we hope they will take further measures. We are very grateful to all local people for their help and especially to Nedelina Vaneva - major inspector in Madjarovo veterinary services for her fast and adequate reaction!

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