Bluetongue Virus Outbreaks Devastate Sheep in Sardinia and Greece

Climate change and a new virus strain contribute to rising bluetongue cases, threatening livestock across Europe.

Sardinia has seen over 20,000 sheep deaths this year due to the bluetongue virus, exacerbated by climate change-induced drought.
The virus, transmitted by biting midges, has caused severe symptoms in sheep, including fever, swollen heads, and abortion of lambs.
Greece reported 10 outbreaks of the new BTV3 strain, affecting sheep and goats, with 15 animals dead out of 137 infected.
The UK is on high alert for the BTV3 strain, as midges carrying the virus could be blown over from Europe, though no cases have been reported yet.
Vaccination efforts in Sardinia have been delayed, leading to significant livestock losses, and experts urge earlier inoculation to prevent further outbreaks.