The number of bluetongue infections in the Netherlands has risen to 3807. This is reported by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), which receives reports every Monday and Thursday add up.
Since 12 August 2024, 898 reports have been added. Most infections are in Twente, the Achterhoek region, North Brabant and Limburg. Last month, there were 318 infections.
NVWA's figures are based on positive and clinically positive cases of bluetongue. This distinguishes between a group of positively tested animals and a group suffering from symptoms. The NVWA used to keep the figures once a week, but recently started doing so twice a week when it was found that cases were rapidly increasing.
The blue tongue virus was away from the Netherlands for about 15 years, until it in September last year resurfaced. The virus is mainly spread among sheep; humans cannot get the virus. It is caused by infected midges.
Since April, there have been three vaccines available. Yet the virus is still deadly. The College for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products has given vets and livestock farmers called To pass on suspected bluetongue immediately after vaccination.
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2533369-snelle-toename-van-aantal-besmettingen-met-blauwtongvirus
