Dutch Agriculture Minister Femke Wiersma has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the bluetongue vaccine, as animals on several farms have fallen ill or died despite being vaccinated. The state veterinary service reports 67 farms with suspected cases, 20 confirmed and 47 pending tests. Although vaccinated animals exhibit milder symptoms, the vaccine primarily reduces symptoms and mortality rather than preventing infection. The Minister highlights that the vaccines were approved for their ability to lessen virus particles and severe symptoms. The veterinary organization KNMvD calls for reporting any side effects, and Wiersma expects the epidemic to peak in late August or early September.