OIE Reports New Bluetongue Outbreaks in Romania and Italy

According to the OIE, in Romania's Gorj County, located in the southwest of the country, the bluetongue virus of serotype 3 has been detected in 10 head of cattle in the commune of Calnic. The cases have been recorded in three private farms and one ranch. The organization notes that this serotype had not been previously registered in the country.

In Italy, the infections have been identified in three sheep on a small farm in Santadi (Province of South Sardinia). Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of serotype 5 of the virus, which has also been detected in this region for the first time.

Bluetongue (also known as the disease of the blue tongue) is transmitted by insects and poses no threat to humans, but it causes significant economic losses in livestock farming, reducing productivity and increasing mortality among livestock.

Previously, in September 2025, Hungary reported the first outbreak of bluetongue in 10 years, where the disease also affected cattle. Experts note that the increase in outbreaks in Europe may be linked to climate change, the migration of insect vectors, and the intensification of cross-border animal trade.