Netherlands Reports First Cases of BTV12 Bluetongue Variant in Livestock
Source: DairyNews.today
Animal health authorities in the Netherlands have identified the presence of a bluetongue variant, BTV12, in livestock, marking the first known cases of this variant in the country, according to a statement from the Dutch government.
The infections, which were confirmed in a sheep, a cow, and its calf at two separate farms in central Netherlands, were reported by Reuters on Friday.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects domestic ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats, and can be fatal. While the BTV3 variant has been circulating in Europe since late 2023, prompting vaccination campaigns across affected regions like France and the Netherlands, no vaccine currently exists for BTV12. This particular strain has been identified previously outside of Europe, but its emergence in the Netherlands is a new development.
The Dutch agriculture ministry has notified vaccine producers of the BTV12 cases but noted that it is premature to determine if a new vaccine will be necessary. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, concerns grow within the agricultural community over the potential spread of this uncontained bluetongue variant.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects domestic ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats, and can be fatal. While the BTV3 variant has been circulating in Europe since late 2023, prompting vaccination campaigns across affected regions like France and the Netherlands, no vaccine currently exists for BTV12. This particular strain has been identified previously outside of Europe, but its emergence in the Netherlands is a new development.
The Dutch agriculture ministry has notified vaccine producers of the BTV12 cases but noted that it is premature to determine if a new vaccine will be necessary. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, concerns grow within the agricultural community over the potential spread of this uncontained bluetongue variant.
