For the first time in 15 years

Bluetongue detected in the Czech Republic

The bluetongue virus is transmitted by certain mosquitoes. It mainly infects sheep and cattle.(Bild: dpa)

Bluetongue disease, which is dangerous for sheep and cattle, has appeared in the Czech Republic for the first time in 15 years. According to the Ministry of Agriculture in Prague, the disease was confirmed in a breeding ram by laboratory tests. The virus poses no danger to humans.

The current outbreak began in the Netherlands and then spread to the south and west. Initially, cases were registered in Belgium and Germany, most recently also in Saxony and Bavaria.

In the Czech Republic, a farm in Jindřichovice in the Sokolov district, around 15 kilometers southeast of Klingenthal (Saxony) and 35 kilometers northeast of Selb (Bavaria), is now affected.

Restricted area with a radius of 150 kilometers
The ram had shown typical symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, breathing difficulties, edema in the head area and loss of appetite. The Czech veterinary authorities set up a so-called restriction 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.

The bluetongue virus is transmitted by certain mosquitoes. Sheep and cattle in particular are infected with it.(Bild: dpa)

Virus transmitted by mosquitoes
The bluetongue virus is transmitted by certain mosquitoes. It mainly infects sheep and cattle. South American camel species, goats and wild ruminants are also susceptible. A certain degree of protection against the disease can be achieved through vaccination.