Austria reports bluetongue outbreaks on cattle farms
The BTV3 virus has been in northern Europe since late last year
17 September 2024
1 minute read
By: Austria has reported two outbreaks of bluetongue disease on cattle farms, Reuters reported on Monday, citing the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), including one with the virus that has been spreading fast in northern Europe.
Bluetongue can be deadly for domestic ruminants such as sheep,cattle and goats. A new variant of the disease, the BTV3 virus, has been circulating in northern Europe since late last year, leading to widespread vaccination campaigns in affected countries, including France.
Austria reported an outbreak of BTV3 on a farm of 19 animals in the western town of Bregenz, the WOAH said, citing Austrian authorities.
It also reported an outbreak of the older BTV4 virus on a cattle farm of 56 animals in Leoben in the centre of the country.
Sweden has also confirmed two outbreaks of BTV3 last week, the WOAH said on Monday.
