Bluetongue Disease spreads to Zealand

The bluetongue virus, which affects ruminants like sheep and cows, has now spread to Zealand in Denmark. A sheep flock near Næstved has been confirmed infected and Funen potentially affected. Spread by midges, the disease causes fluid accumulation, mouth sores, and lameness. Cows are less impacted than sheep, which sometimes have to be euthanized. Denmark first detected bluetongue in 2007, with a resurgence on August 9 as it spread across Europe. Vaccination is possible, and animals can be kept inside at night for protection. No compensation is provided to farmers for loss or culling due to the disease. Currently, there are 54 confirmed and 51 suspected infected herds, mainly in southwestern Jutland, but including the recent case in Næstved and three suspected in Funen. Animal movement from infected farms is restricted without authorization.