Netherlands - Bluetongue outbreak 2024

[Mary Wilson]

Tuesday, 06 Aug 2024 4:49 AM MYT
By WANG XIANGJIANG

THE HAGUE, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Bluetongue disease has been confirmed in all 12 Dutch provinces, according to official data released on Monday. The disease is potentially deadly for sheep and cattle.

Until last week, Flevoland was the only province without reported cases of the bluetongue virus. However, new data from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has now confirmed the virus is also present in this province.

As of this week, the total number of infections has risen to 1,722, with Gelderland, North Brabant, Limburg, and Overijssel experiencing the most outbreaks. ...

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2024/08/06/bluetongue-disease-reported-in-all-dutch-provinces

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Bluetongue virus serotype 12 detected on 2 farms

News item | 11-10-2024 | 16:40

Bluetongue serotype 12 was detected in a sheep on a farm in Kockengen (municipality of Stichtse Vecht) and in a cow and her calf on a farm in Harmelen (municipality of Woerden) on 10 October 2024. This serotype has not previously occurred in the Netherlands, but is prevalent in other countries outside Europe. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) has commissioned additional research to map the situation.

Minister Femke Marije Wiersma: “I fully understand that the news about the detection of serotype 12 of the bluetongue virus in the Netherlands is causing fear and concern among sheep and cattle farmers. The sheep sector and the cattle sector have been hit hard by the bluetongue serotype 3 outbreak in the past year. That is why it is now a priority for me to map out whether, and if so to what extent, bluetongue serotype 12 has already spread further. To this end, I have initiated further research and I expect more information within a week so that I can answer the questions and concerns of the livestock farmers involved.”

Further research needed

In order to map the spread of bluetongue serotype-12 (BTV-12), further research has been initiated. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) has been asked to retrospectively examine over 1,400 samples submitted since 1 September. The first results are expected in the middle of next week and will provide insight into the possible spread of BTV-12 in the Netherlands. In addition, all suspected bluetongue samples will now be additionally examined to determine whether they are BTV-3 and/or another serotype, such as BTV-12.

The Minister of LVVN has also convened the Animal Disease Expert Group to discuss the situation. Furthermore, research has been started into the source and possible route of introduction of this new serotype, although it is uncertain whether this can be traced. Previous research into BTV-8 and BTV-3 yielded no results.

There is currently no vaccine available for serotype 12. There is still insufficient information about the spread and the clinical picture to determine whether a new vaccine is needed. However, the ministry has already informed vaccine manufacturers of this new variant as a precaution.

Reporting obligation

Keepers are advised to remain alert to possible symptoms in their animals. Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease, and this case shows that it is important to continue reporting suspicions to the NVWA. The Ministry of LVVN remains in close contact with sector parties about these recent developments.

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https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel...twee-bedrijven