Belgium discovers infection with bluetongue serotype 3 near the Dutch border

A first infection with bluetongue has been discovered in Belgium. The federal food agency FAVV discovered an infection with bluetongue serotype 3 in a sheep in the Flemish Merksplas. This village is located a few kilometers from the Dutch border between Tilburg and Breda. No contact with Dutch companies FASFC believes that midges brought the virus to Belgium through natural spread. The company had no contacts with Dutch companies. The virus was detected at a small-scale sheep farm, with one animal showing mild symptoms. FAVV does not take any additional measures, for example for the transport of livestock. According to the supervisor, measures are unnecessary. Due to the contamination, Belgium loses its bluetongue-free status. The country received this status five months earlier. In 2019, Belgium had a bluetongue outbreak with serotype 8. Belgium is the second country where bluetongue serotype 3 was discovered. Bluetongue situation in the Netherlands In the Netherlands, the number ...