The first cases of bluetongue disease (also known as infectious catarrhal fever) have been confirmed in five dairy cattle farms in southwestern Lithuania, the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) reports.
According to the Lithuanian Food and Veterinary Service, the serotype 3 of the bluetongue virus has been detected in these farms — a strain that has been actively circulating in several European countries in recent years.
The PVD explains that the disease was confirmed through laboratory testing, and no clinical symptoms have been observed in the infected cows.
The service emphasizes that bluetongue disease can affect cattle, sheep, goats, and other ruminants. The disease is not contagious between animals, but it spreads rapidly through biting midges (Culicoides species).
An infected animal cannot directly infect another, and the virus poses no threat to human health or food safety.
To ensure early detection and containment, the PVD implements an annual national surveillance program for bluetongue disease.
During the active midge season, blood samples are taken from susceptible species across the country for laboratory testing. The number of samples is determined proportionally to the density of the susceptible animal population in each Latvian region.
So far, no cases of bluetongue disease have been detected in Latvia, the PVD confirms.
However, in light of the confirmed outbreaks in Lithuania, the service is tightening surveillance measures in Latvia and informing livestock owners, veterinarians, and other stakeholders about potential risks and preventive actions.
If an animal owner suspects that a ruminant may be infected with the bluetongue virus, they must immediately contact their local veterinarian.
In the event of confirmed infection, symptomatic treatment is carried out
by the attending veterinarian in cooperation with the animal owner, while the PVD conducts enhanced monitoring of the affected herd.
The PVD reminds livestock keepers that vaccination of susceptible animals against the circulating serotype is an available preventive measure.
If necessary, the service may introduce mandatory preventive vaccination nationwide.
Currently, the Latvian Register of Veterinary Medicines lists three vaccines for protection against bluetongue virus serotype 3: BioBos BTV 3 – for sheep and cattle; BLUEVAC-3 – for sheep and cattle and Syvazul BTV 3 – for sheep.
Read also: Baltic states make plans for mass evacuation
The post Dangerous animal disease detected in Lithuania – Latvia tightens surveillance appeared first on Baltic News Network.
