Blue tongue virus spreads across Belgium

The latest report from the Belgian Federal Food Safety Authority (Afsca) said that the virus causing blue tongue disease has spread to 3,586 locations across Belgium.

Blue tongue disease mainly appears in sheep flocks. (Source: AFP)

However, according to experts, the epidemic has peaked and is showing signs of cooling down.

The outbreak was initially concentrated in the provinces of Antwerp, Liège and Luxembourg, but has now spread across the entire country. Although official figures show the severity of the outbreak, the actual numbers are likely to be higher, as since 12 September, livestock producers are no longer obliged to report suspected cases to Afsca via their veterinarians.

Blue tongue disease is a viral disease transmitted by blood-sucking insects. It mainly affects livestock, especially cows and sheep.

To date, 1,044 sheep herds, 2,477 cattle herds, 43 goat herds and 20 alpaca herds have been infected.

Last week, Agriculture Minister David Clarinval said the disease had killed about 23,000 sheep and 36,000 cattle.

However, according to Afsca, the epidemic has peaked and the situation is gradually improving. Rendac, a company specializing in animal carcass disposal, has also recorded a decrease in the number of carcasses collected, which further reinforces the view that the epidemic is subsiding.

Bluetongue is a viral infectious disease of ruminants, especially sheep. The disease is typically characterized by fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen tongues. In sheep, the disease can be fatal.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/virus-gay-benh-luoi-xanh-phat-tan-khap-noi-tai-bi-288082.html