BRUSSELS: Belgium has reported over 1,192 cases of bluetongue virus affecting livestock. The Belgian Health Authority indicated that the bluetongue virus is spreading rapidly across the country, with cases rising from 874 last week to 1,192 this week.

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) has recommended vaccinating cattle and sheep.

Belgium had been free of bluetongue for a long period, but an outbreak was discovered in a small sheep farm in October 2023. Prior to this, the virus had been spreading quickly in the Netherlands, and now France is also affected, though it poses no threat to humans.

Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects livestock like sheep, cattle, and goats. It is spread by biting midges and causes symptoms such as fever, swelling of the tongue and face, and lameness. This disease can lead to significant losses in the livestock industry due to decreased productivity and higher veterinary costs.

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Named for the bluish colour that can appear on the tongue of infected animals, bluetongue does not affect humans. It usually occurs in warmer months when midges are active. To control the disease, measures include vaccination, managing midge populations, and limiting the movement of infected animals.