Bluetongue serotype 3, the most dangerous that currently exists, has arrived for the first time in Spain, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) confirmed today, October 1, the detection of three outbreaks of serotype 3 bluetongueof particular virulence for sheep, in the municipalities of Cheles and Alconchel in Badajoz and in Rosal de la Frontera (Huelva).
Thus and as published in the BOE in the regions of Azuaga, Don Benito, Jerez de los Caballeros, Mérida, Zafra, Badajoz, Valencia de Alcántara and Cáceresmovements of ruminant livestock are restricted.
The farms are located near the border with Portugalthis Portuguese country had detected outbreaks of this serotype in the region of Évora, and although the borders were closed to the transport of livestock, it was impossible to prevent this serotype from reaching Extremadura.
According to EFE, suspicions arose when several animals from the farms concerned presented clinical symptoms compatible with the disease.
Samples taken from the animals tested positive for bluetongue virus, results which were confirmed positive for serotype 3 by the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Algete.
The most likely origin of These new outbreaks are due to the transport of infected vectors by the wind. with the virus coming from Portugal, according to the Spanish government.
Prevention, surveillance and control measures are reinforced in the affected area.
These include the compulsory vaccination against serotype 3 of all animals over three months of sheep and bovine species, the establishment of restrictions on the movements of animals of species susceptible to the disease, the strengthening of passive surveillance, for which immediate communication of any suspicion is necessary, as well as as the recommendation for the disinfestation of ruminant farms in the area.
Vaccination
In Extremadura, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Sustainable Development has reserved almost 1.5 million doses of vaccine against bluetongue serotype 3, which will be added to the 175,000 doses that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) will send to Extremadura.
The latter should arrive in the region this Tuesday, as reported this Monday by the government of Extremadura in a press release.
The Council obtained almost 1.5 million doses after the “distribution proportional to the animal census and the health situation“that the laboratories have done among the autonomous communities with those available.
In this way, it is expected that the doses already reserved arrive in the region next week start vaccinating animals and develop prevention work against bluetongue.
Additionally, throughout October, more doses for serotype 3 will continue to arrive, as the Council stated that progress was being made in the negotiation with the laboratories and that it was reserving all those available for advance vaccination.
“With this, the Council fulfills its commitment to acquire and secure vaccines as soon as they are available to respond to the health situation and provide solutions to breeders,” he noted.
