In the neighbouring municipalities of Eindhoven, nine cases of the bluetongue sheep virus have now been confirmed. This is evident from new figures from the Dutch food and consumer product safety authority. The virus can be fatal for sheep.
Infections have been detected by Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (Dutch food and consumer product safety authority, NVWA) in the Netherlands since September. Up until now, there were three in Best, two in Nuenen and Waalre and one in Geldrop-Mierlo and Son en Breugel.
Virus
In addition to sheep, the virus also occurs in goats and cattle. Animals develop a fever, start drooling and develop swellings on their heads and tongues. Sheep can eventually die from the effects of the virus.
Livestock farmers and veterinarians must report if they suspect that an animal is infected with bluetongue. The government hopes that this will prevent further spread. The Ministry of Agriculture and Nature has made vaccines available for sheep and cattle. Vaccination is not mandatory.
Bluetongue cannot be transmitted to humans.
Source: Studio040
Translated by: Bob
