"Two outbreaks of serotype 3 and numerous other suspected cases in at least 64 farms. 51 animals have died so far. The bluetongue virus has returned to circulate also in the flocks of Oristano". This was communicated by the Animal Health Service of the ASL 5, directed by Dr. Enrico Vacca, who has already arranged a health measure to reduce the risk of further spread of bluetongue in areas not yet affected by viral circulation through the control of the movements of animals of species susceptible to the disease.
THE DATA - The national reference laboratory at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise has already highlighted the presence of two outbreaks of bluetongue from serotype 3 (BTV3) in two farms in Narbolia and San Vero Milis. Confirmation is awaited for numerous other suspected cases, presumably always due to the same serotype 3 in another 64 farms in the Oristano area. At the moment there are 44 municipalities in the Province, out of a total of 88, where the circulation of the BTV3 virus has been detected: Abbasanta, Arborea, Baratili San Pietro, Bauladu, Bonarcado, Busachi, Cabras, Cuglieri, Fordongianus, Ghilarza, Gonnoscodina, Gonnostramatza, Marrubiu, Masullas, Milis, Mogoro, Morgongiori, Narbolia, Nurachi, Ollastra, Oristano, Palmas Arborea, Paulilatino, Pompu, Riola Sardo, San Nicolò d'Arcidano, San Vero Milis, Santa Giusta, Santulussurgiu, Seneghe, Siamaggiore, Siamanna, Siapiccia, Simaxis, Siris, Solarussa, Terralba, Tramatza, Ula Tirso, Uras, Villanova Truschedu, Villaurbana, Zeddiani and Zerfaliu. So far, 51 heads have died, while 619 animals have been infected by the virus.
THE MEASURE – «The movements of sheep, goats and cattle, both for life and for slaughter, coming from this area of 44 municipalities to areas not affected by viral circulation must be agreed with the veterinary services of departure and destination with advance notification or authorization of at least 48 hours», explained Dr. Vacca. Adding: «These movements are subject to compliance with certain risk reduction measures, such as treatment with insect repellent and subsequent PCR test or staying in a facility protected from vectors».
