France Expands Bluetongue Vaccination Campaign Following New Outbreaks
Source: The DairyNews
In response to the detection of two new outbreaks of a novel bluetongue virus variant in northern Europe, France has accelerated and expanded its vaccination campaign to protect ruminants from this potentially deadly disease.
The French Ministry of Agriculture, as reported by Reuters, confirmed the outbreaks of the BTV3 bluetongue disease, first identified on a sheep farm near the Belgian border earlier this week.
The bluetongue virus, which is transmitted by insects, poses a significant threat to sheep, cattle, and goats. The recent outbreaks in France follow the virus's circulation in the Netherlands, northern Belgium, and western Germany since late 2023.
In response, France has increased the availability of vaccines to 6.4 million doses, up from the previously planned 4.6 million. This includes 1.1 million doses designated for sheep and 5.3 million doses for cattle. The vaccination campaign, originally scheduled to commence on Wednesday, will now begin on Monday to ensure a more rapid response.
This swift action underscores the urgency with which the French authorities are addressing the bluetongue virus threat, aiming to curb its spread and protect the country’s livestock industry. The expanded vaccination efforts are intended to safeguard farmers' livelihoods and mitigate the impact of the virus on animal health across the region.
The bluetongue virus, which is transmitted by insects, poses a significant threat to sheep, cattle, and goats. The recent outbreaks in France follow the virus's circulation in the Netherlands, northern Belgium, and western Germany since late 2023.
In response, France has increased the availability of vaccines to 6.4 million doses, up from the previously planned 4.6 million. This includes 1.1 million doses designated for sheep and 5.3 million doses for cattle. The vaccination campaign, originally scheduled to commence on Wednesday, will now begin on Monday to ensure a more rapid response.
This swift action underscores the urgency with which the French authorities are addressing the bluetongue virus threat, aiming to curb its spread and protect the country’s livestock industry. The expanded vaccination efforts are intended to safeguard farmers' livelihoods and mitigate the impact of the virus on animal health across the region.
