Belgians abolish reporting requirement for bluetongue and EHD

Agricultural entrepreneurs can continue to voluntarily request a sample from their veterinarian. However, this examination will no longer be reimbursed by the FAVV. The amended regulations will come into effect from today (Monday 16 September). By abolishing the reporting obligation, the agency hopes to limit the administrative burden and costs as much as possible. The bluetongue virus has now been found in all parts of Belgium. In addition, it is difficult to distinguish between bluetongue and EHD based on clinical symptoms. The latter is a viral disease transmitted by midges that mainly causes clinical symptoms in deer. Cattle can also become quite ill from it. The virus attacks the inside of the blood vessels, followed by oedema, bleeding and wounds. Sheep and goats can be carriers of the virus, but do not become ill from it. Reporting obligation in the Netherlands EHD is a notifiable disease in the Netherlands. The virus first appeared in Europe in October 2022 and has quickly ...