The Czech Republic's Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed the first case of bluetongue infection in 15 years

An outbreak of bluetongue has been detected on a farm in the Czech Republic that keeps sheep, goats and cattle, the country's Ministry of Agriculture reports. The last time this disease was recorded in the republic was 15 years ago, in 2007-2009. Since 2013, the country has been recognized as free of this animal disease. Positive results were obtained from samples from a farm near the city of Sokolov. They breed breeding sheep there. In total, the enterprise keeps more than 370 sheep, at least 200 goats and more than 130 heads of cattle. In recent days, two sheep with symptoms characteristic of bluetongue have died on the farm, according to a report from the agricultural department. The State Veterinary Administration (SVS) is taking emergency measures to minimize the risk of the disease spreading. A 150-kilometer control zone has been defined around the outbreak. Stricter movement rules will apply to animals from farms in this area. Livestock breeders are required to monitor the ...