Bluetongue disease, which is dangerous for sheep and cattle, has reappeared in the Czech Republic for the first time in fifteen years. As the Ministry of Agriculture in Prague announced, the disease was confirmed in a breeding ram by laboratory tests. The virus does not pose a threat to humans.
The current outbreak started in the Netherlands and then spread south and west. Cases were initially recorded in Belgium and Germany, and most recently in Saxony and Bavaria.
In the Czech Republic, a farm has now been hit in Jindřichovice in the Sokolov district, about 15 kilometres southeast of Klingenthal (Saxony) and 35 kilometres northeast of Selb (Bavaria).
Restricted zone with a radius of 150 kilometers
The ram showed typical symptoms such as fever, runny nose, difficulty breathing, edema in the head area and loss of appetite. The Czech veterinary authorities have established a so-called restricted zone with a radius of 150 kilometers around the farm. Cattle, sheep and goats may only be moved from this zone to other regions under strict conditions.
Virus transmitted by mosquitoes
Bluetongue virus is transmitted by certain mosquitoes. Sheep and cattle are particularly susceptible. South American camel species, goats and wild ruminants are also susceptible. A certain level of protection against the disease can be achieved through vaccination.
Source: Krone
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