Austria Reports Bluetongue Outbreaks on Cattle Farms
Source: DairyNews.today
Austria has reported two outbreaks of bluetongue disease on cattle farms, according to Reuters, citing the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The outbreaks include one involving the rapidly spreading BTV3 variant, which has affected several countries in northern Europe.
Bluetongue, a viral disease that can be fatal to domestic ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats, has been spreading across Europe, with the BTV3 variant particularly concerning. Since late last year, vaccination campaigns have been launched in several affected countries, including France, to mitigate the spread.
The BTV3 outbreak in Austria occurred on a farm with 19 animals in the western town of Bregenz. Additionally, the country reported another outbreak involving the older BTV4 variant at a cattle farm with 56 animals in Leoben, located in central Austria.
These reports follow Sweden's confirmation of two BTV3 outbreaks last week, highlighting the virus's continued spread across northern and central Europe. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and vaccination efforts are being ramped up to protect livestock in affected regions.
The BTV3 outbreak in Austria occurred on a farm with 19 animals in the western town of Bregenz. Additionally, the country reported another outbreak involving the older BTV4 variant at a cattle farm with 56 animals in Leoben, located in central Austria.
These reports follow Sweden's confirmation of two BTV3 outbreaks last week, highlighting the virus's continued spread across northern and central Europe. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and vaccination efforts are being ramped up to protect livestock in affected regions.
