Macedonia and Romania Report Deepening Bluetongue Problem
EUROPE – Bluetongue virus has become established in central Romania and spread west across Macedonia over the last week, veterinary officials have confirmed.
28 August 2014
1 minute read
In all, 34 infected farms have reported 21 livestock deaths over the two countries in both sheep and cattle.
According to reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the number of cases now stands at 527.
Macedonian officials have reported three cattle deaths after six cattle were confirmed with the disease, previously only in sheep.
The virus has spread from east to west across Macedonia, identified on a farm in the western district of Ohrid, close to Albania’s eastern border.
Meanwhile, in Romania, farms in the southern central belt of the country have been hit with the rest of country spared so far.
The reports add to a growing list of cases in Europe with Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Turkey, which deployed a major vaccination programme, also under close surveillance.
Picture of most recent cases in Macedonia, courtesy of OIE
Michael Priestley
News Team - Editor
Mainly production and market stories on ruminants sector. Works closely with sustainability consultants at FAI Farms
