Mobility
Bluetongue, a viral infection that primarily affects cattle and sheep, was detected on a cattle farm in Orihuela, Alicante. This marks the first appearance of bluetongue in the Valencian Community in fifteen years. To curb the outbreak, vaccination will be required for all animals older than three months, both small ruminants and bovines, across the entire Alicante province. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced it will receive the initial 120,000 doses through an emergency procurement process, with around 90,000 registered animals of these species reported in the province at present.
The discovery came from the official veterinary services of the Valencian Community during a preventive check on a sentinel farm housing 180 cows, conducted under the national active surveillance program. This incident involves the fourth serotype of the bluetongue virus, one that was present in a prior outbreak. The implicated farm lies near the border with Murcia, the region where the disease was declared at the end of 2023.
The Ministry of Agriculture promptly activated prevention, surveillance, and control measures in the region to prevent further spread. These actions align with the 2024 annual zoo health plan. The plan calls for compulsory vaccination against the fourth serotype of bluetongue virus for all sheep and cattle aged over three months throughout the Alicante province. Urgent steps will be taken to acquire the first 120,000 doses of the vaccine. Provincial livestock data show that 90,074 animals of the affected species were registered in 2022, including 81,462 sheep and 9,512 cows.
Additionally, authorities remind the public to report any clinical signs compatible with bluetongue to the official veterinary services. Notifications were also made to the European Commission and other autonomous communities, along with relevant agricultural sectors.
Bluetongue, sometimes called sheep bluetongue, is a viral disease spread by Culicoides midges and belongs to the Reoviridae family. It affects both wild and domestic ruminants but does not pose a risk to humans. The severity of the disease in ruminants depends on the species and serotype. Clinical signs vary, with some animals showing minimal symptoms while others exhibit moderate to severe illness. Common indicators include fever, mucus‑purulent nasal discharge, crusting around the nostrils, swelling of the head and neck, and breathing difficulties. In some cases the tongue can appear bluish due to reduced oxygen supply, which gives the disease its name. Severe infections can lead to death in affected animals.
Beyond animal health, bluetongue can impact the livestock sector by reducing meat and dairy production and by restricting animal movements and trade from affected areas.
Mobility
Initially, movements in the Alicante province will not be restricted. Ministry reports indicate that the area remains in the Seasonal Free Period, and movements of susceptible animals are not immediately affected. Movements from the farm where the outbreak was detected may face certain restrictions, however.
Local stakeholders have not always had direct access to information on this topic. Nevertheless, according to industry representatives, there is a call for strong oversight from the ministry to prevent further spread. The situation comes at a challenging time for the livestock sector, and industry observers emphasize the importance of swift, decisive action to safeguard the health of herds and the viability of the regional meat and dairy markets.