Portugal temporarily suspends shipment of animals to Spain after detection of bluetongue serotype 3

The Official Veterinary Services of Portugal have detected circulation of the Bluetongue virus serotype 3 in 3 sheep farms located in the municipality of Torre de Coelheiros (Évora Region) (see map 1). The animals on the affected farms showed symptoms compatible with the disease, with mortality in several of the animals. Additionally, they have reported several clinical suspicions on farms located in the same municipality, which are currently in the process of confirmation. The Spanish authorities have agreed with the Portuguese authorities to temporarily stop the movement of animals susceptible to Bluetongue from Portugal to Spain until more information is available on the epidemiological situation of the disease. As a preventive measure, the MAPA has contacted the vaccine producing laboratories, in order to take the necessary steps to have an emergency vaccine bank against this serotype 3, in case its immediate use is necessary. Bluetongue situation in the world Bluetongue ...