Bluetongue Virus Spreads Across Europe, Prompting Urgent Measures

Authorities in multiple countries implement new protocols to control the bluetongue virus affecting livestock.

The Isle of Man has introduced new powers to quickly respond to bluetongue virus outbreaks, including export restrictions and mandatory reporting.
Farmers in Ireland are calling for a pause on livestock imports to prevent the spread of the virus, which has been confirmed in 70 cases in England and 700 in northern France.
Norway reported its first cases of bluetongue since 2009, with outbreaks also detected in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and France.
Italy and Portugal have reported outbreaks of different bluetongue variants, with Italy noting significant cases in Sardinia and Portugal identifying an outbreak on a sheep farm.
The virus, which does not affect humans or food safety, causes severe symptoms in livestock, including high fever, mouth ulcers, and breathing difficulties.