Farmers in Greece have been alerted to multiple outbreaks of the bluetongue virus affecting sheep and goats in the northeastern region of the country. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the reports which highlighted 10 separate incidents of the BTV3 strain of bluetongue in livestock on local farms. Bluetongue is a disease that primarily impacts cattle and sheep, displaying symptoms such as a swollen, blue tongue, fever, reduced milk production, and in severe cases, fatalities.
The novel variant of the bluetongue virus, BTV3, has been circulating across Europe since late last year, prompting vaccination campaigns in affected nations like France. In the recent Greek outbreaks, a total of 137 sheep and goats were identified with the virus, leading to the unfortunate deaths of 15 animals. While the bluetongue disease does not pose a risk to humans or food safety, it can have devastating consequences for livestock populations.
Meanwhile, farmers in the UK have been cautioned about the high likelihood of the BTV3 strain being introduced through midges carried over from Europe. The authorities are advising farmers to stay vigilant and regularly monitor their livestock, ensuring that their animals are protected and that their contact information is up to date with the APHA in case of an outbreak. Despite there being no current evidence of bluetongue transmission via midges in the UK, the potential risk remains significant due to the insects’ ability to be transported over long distances by wind currents.
The BTV3 strain, which emerged in the Netherlands in 2023, was first detected in England the following year. To date, there have been 126 cases of the virus in the UK, affecting both sheep and cattle across counties like Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Surrey. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has issued a risk assessment indicating a strong probability of the BTV3 strain entering Britain through infected midges from northern Europe in 2024. Additionally, there is a moderate risk of another strain, BTV8, being introduced by midges from northern France.
With biting midges being most active between April and November, the likelihood of disease transmission will depend on environmental conditions like temperature and wind patterns. Currently, there is no vaccine available in the UK for the BTV3 strain, although emergency vaccines have been approved for use in the Netherlands and Belgium. Farmers and authorities are working diligently to prevent further spread of the bluetongue virus and protect livestock across the region.