Portugal: Alentejo farmers warn of serious losses due to new serotype of Bluetongue

Published Oct 10, 2024

Tridge summary

The Federation of Farmers of Baixo Alentejo (FAABA) has expressed concern over the significant losses incurred by the region's livestock sector due to the spread of the Bluetongue virus, specifically Serotype 3. The virus, primarily affecting sheep but also cattle and goats, has led to a surge in sheep mortality and increased medical expenses. The disease's expansion across Portugal is attributed to climate change and potential wind carry from North Africa. FAABA has noted that the high cost of the new vaccine and the economic repercussions of the disease's spread have led to underreporting and is criticizing the lack of government support, contrasting it with France and Spain's approach.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The Federation of Farmers of Baixo Alentejo (FAABA) announced that it has sent a letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries expressing “serious concern” about the “significant losses” that the region’s livestock sector is currently suffering due to the “accelerated progression” of a new serotype of the Bluetongue virus, Serotype 3 – also known as bluetongue. According to the press release, the virus mainly affects sheep, although it can also cause problems for cattle and goats. “This is a disease transmitted by insects, which are suspected to have come from North Africa carried by the wind, bringing with them this new strain of Bluetongue which, due to climate change, is finding conditions to establish itself in Europe and expand further and further north”, reads the press release. FAABA reported that the first known outbreaks of this variant appeared with great intensity in Central Alentejo and have been spreading rapidly to neighbouring territories. “Currently, ...
Source: PTvidarural

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