Bluetongue disease (BPD) is not currently registered in any animal in Serbia, and the last case of this disease was diagnosed in 2020. The situation in the region and neighboring countries is also favorable in relation to serotype 4 of this virus, the Ministry of Agriculture announced.
However, the situation is not favorable everywhere in Europe. Last week, bluetongue was detected in the UK after a rapid spread in Europe. This disease, which mostly affects cows, sheep, goats, deer and llamas, causes swelling and blue color of the tongue, fever, reduced milk yield and can lead to death in the most severe cases.
British officials reported a rapid increase in the number of cases in the Netherlands and Germany, as well as new cases in France, Luxembourg and Denmark. Experts from the Veterinary Administration in Serbia explained that blue tongue disease is contagious and is a problem mainly in sheep, cattle and goat farming. The spread of the disease is not directly among animals, but takes place through the carrier of the virus, i.e. insects from the genus Culicoides.
Bluetongue in Europe: in brief
In the case of BPJ in Western Europe, especially in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Great Britain, it is serotype 3, which spreads more rapidly compared to other known serotypes. There is no registered vaccine against this serotype, which further increases the risk and the need for caution. The Veterinary Administration in Serbia continuously monitors the development of the epizootic situation and is ready to take the necessary measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of bluetongue in accordance with regulations.
The Veterinary Administration has already undertaken and continues to undertake measures to detect, monitor and control diseases, including supervision and monitoring according to the ministry’s plan. Diagnostic tests are performed in accredited laboratories of scientific and veterinary specialist institutes, and disease confirmation and serotype determination are performed in the National Reference Laboratory. In the event of an unfavorable epizootiological situation, it is possible to authorize the vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas based on a risk analysis.
Financial resources are provided in the state budget. They prepare specifically for:
- control and monitoring
- diagnostic tests
- procurement of vaccines
- implementation of vaccination
- compensation for damages in accordance with the law
- animals that died as a result of unwanted effects after vaccination.
Also, funds are provided for the implementation of measures in infected farms in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
Source: Politics
Source: boljazemlja.com
