EUROPE – The bluetongue virus (BTV) is sweeping through European livestock populations, and the disease is spreading rapidly across several countries. 

First detected in the Netherlands in September 2023, the virus has since moved into Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom, spreading concern among farmers and animal health authorities.

Bluetongue is a non-contagious, insect-borne viral disease that primarily affects ruminants such as sheep and cattle, though it spares pigs and horses. 

The virus is spread by biting midges, which can carry the disease over long distances, particularly during warm weather. 

While the disease poses no direct risk to humans, it can lead to severe health issues in animals, including high fevers, mouth ulcers, and swelling of the head and tongue.

The scale of the current outbreak is unprecedented. As of 2nd September, 2,909 infected areas were reported in the Netherlands alone, a significant increase from the previous week. 

Germany, which had only 23 outbreaks throughout 2023, now reports 1,885 clusters, according to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), the country’s leading animal disease research centre. 

In Belgium, the French animal epidemic monitoring platform ESA recorded 515 cases between June 1 and August 11, with a sharp spike in just one week.

The virus, particularly the BTV-3 strain, is known for its deadly impact on sheep, causing symptoms like excessive salivation, swollen lips and tongue, and even the loss of offspring in pregnant animals. 

It can significantly reduce milk production in cattle. Unlike avian influenza, however, infected animals do not necessarily need to be slaughtered.

Stringent measures in place 

The spread of BTV-3 has led to stringent movement restrictions in affected regions. In the UK, a control zone has been established around areas where the virus has been detected, including Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. 

Farmers are advised to closely monitor their animals and report any signs of the disease immediately. The UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Ele Brown, emphasised the importance of vigilance, particularly given the high risk of further spread due to current temperatures and midge activity.

While vaccines exist for other strains of bluetongue, such as BTV-4 and BTV-8, they are not available in sufficient quantities to combat the current outbreak. 

France has launched a vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the virus as quickly as possible, but the situation remains critical. 

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