In Sardinia the count of blue tongue cases does not stop. The death toll from the virus rises to 355 , all sheep. There are 75 outbreaks , 1540 cases , of which 211 in the Middle Campidano , as can be read in the new data published on the website by the regional Zooprophylactic Institute for the 2023-2024 season. In the Oristano area, however, around forty sheep have died and 90 have been infected. The municipalities currently affected by the spread of the blue tongue virus are Cuglieri, Seneghe, Narbolia, San Vero Milis, Riola Sardo, Baratili San Pietro, Zeddiani, Nurachi, Cabras, Terralba, Uras, San Nicolò d'Arcidano and Mogoro.
But for ASL 5 it is a " situation under control ", as stated by Dr. Enrico Vacca, director of the Animal Health service . “Our service has issued a health order , establishing a bluetongue restriction zone, where a series of health measures will be applied to avoid the further spread of the disease.”
As Vacca underlined, «the farms within the protection zone are subjected to intensified monitoring, control and surveillance activities by the veterinary services of ASL 5. Movements within the restriction zone are permitted as long as the animals do not show clinical signs of the disease, although it is understood that animals coming from an establishment within a 20 kilometer radius around a confirmed case of blue tongue must undergo a clinical examination by the official veterinarian within 24 hours of departure. Movements towards the remaining regional territory are permitted only for the slaughterhouse, following a clinical visit."
(Unioneonline/vf)
