"Sheep vaccinated in March." But they're not doing well: they've been struck by blue tongue. One lamb is dead, other animals can't stand. The images are clear: they come from Bultei, and they're published by Gianuario Falchi, one of the driving forces behind the "Shepherds Without Flags" movement.
The outbreak affecting your farm hasn't even been included in the official count of the national veterinary epidemiological bulletin yet. Yesterday, with data updated to Friday, Sardinia reported 100 confirmed bluetongue outbreaks in the first three weeks of September alone. In August, there were 76 and in July, just 14. This is later than in previous years, but it seems the epidemic has started again.
Another aspect that worries breeders is that in Bultei, as in Donori (to cite certain cases), the ones affected are regularly vaccinated sheep.
"These are the results so acclaimed by those who are supposed to protect us," Falchi attacks. "Even if a few days late, dear councilor, as you can see, the bluetongue has started off great, and no preventive disinfestation has been done, contrary to what you promised." The important thing, continues the farmer, "is to vaccinate and take credit for the low number of infected sheep. But the numbers are counted at the end. And there's more to come."
It should be noted that the much-heralded 2024 relief payments are still on their way. As always.
Enrico Fresu
