Post Reply - BlueTongue restarted in NL

   https://www.rtvutrecht.nl/nieuws/3799797/nieuw-type-blauwtong-ontdekt-in-utrecht-voelt-alsof-we-weer-terug-bij-af-zijn  or https://www.rtvutrecht.nl/nieuws/3799797/nieuw-type-blauwtong-ontdekt-in-utrecht-voelt-alsof-we-weer-terug-bij-af-zijn;Kockengen - A new type of bluetongue virus has been found in the Netherlands, reports the Ministry of Agriculture. It concerns two cases of the so-called serotype 12, both in Utrecht.
The virus has been found in a sheep in Kockengen and a cow and calf in Harmelen. This type has not occurred before in the Netherlands, but it is prevalent in other countries outside Europe. There is no vaccine available for this variant yet, according to Agriculture Minister Femke Wiersma. She is investigating whether this is necessary, since vaccination can already be done for another variant.
"The sheep sector and the cattle sector have been hit hard by the bluetongue serotype-3 outbreak in the past year," Minister Wiersma said in a reaction. "That's why it's now a priority for me to map out whether, and if so to what extent, the new type has already spread further." The ministry has therefore asked Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) to test 1400 samples that have been submitted since last month for the new type. The results are expected next week.
-
Agricultural and horticultural organisation LTO is shocked: "This new variant feels like we are back to square one," says vice-chairman Dirk Bruins. "Despite the availability of a vaccine last spring, the burden of disease among the animals was once again high," the industry association said. He also calls the new development "worrisome".
The ministry is also still investigating the source and possible introduction route of the new variant. Little is also clear about the clinical picture. That is why the ministry advises animal farmers to remain alert to symptoms of illness in their livestock.
Bluetongue is subject to a reporting obligation. The disease has been circulating in the Netherlands since September last year. The virus is spread by midges, small flies that sting. Bluetongue is not dangerous to humans, but can be fatal to ruminants such as cows and sheep.
DJ see also;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_virus  or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_virus