Sardinia, home to nearly half of Italy's flock and a significant contributor to the production of Pecorino cheese, is grappling with a severe outbreak of bluetongue virus, which has resulted in the death of approximately 20,000 sheep so far this year. This virus, transmitted by biting midges, causes symptoms such as nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, and swollen heads in animals, and can lead to abortion or the birth of deformed lambs in pregnant ewes. The infection rate this year has been around 60 percent, with some ewes exhibiting signs of carrying dead fetuses. The virus's earlier onset and spread, as well as its expansion across Europe, are attributed to climate change. The lack of timely vaccination and the use of ineffective control measures have exacerbated the situation, leading to calls for more comprehensive strategies that include disinfection and the distribution of midge repellents. The economic losses from this outbreak are substantial, with costs including farm damages, animal health expenses, and subsidies for affected farms.