First Virus Case Detected in Austria
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - Austria's Health Ministry says a cow has tested positive for the bluetongue virus in the country's first ever case.The bluetongue virus is carried by midges — tiny flies — and affects cows, sheep and other ruminant animals. The disease was once confined to Mediterranean areas, but has been spreading north since August 2006.
The ministry says the virus was detected during routine checks in the northern Austrian district of Schaerding.