The plenary of the Council acknowledged the emergency declaration for the purchase of 120,000 doses of vaccine targeting serotype 4 of the blue tongue virus. This declaration had been issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries on February 22. The vaccines are being allocated for mandatory immunization of all animals over three months old within the sheep and cattle sectors in Alicante Province, while voluntary vaccination is available for goats. This large-scale vaccination effort aims to safeguard the regional herds and maintain stable livestock production in the face of a concerning outbreak. (Source: Conselleria de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca)
The contract for the vaccines was awarded to Laboratorios Syva at a price of 0.23 euros per dose (2 ml), plus a 10% value-added tax. The total comes to 30,360 euros, VAT included, with the contract set to be fulfilled within one month. This procurement reflects a prompt, state-supported response to protect livestock assets and reduce the risk of spread among herds. (Source: Conselleria de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca)
The disease was first detected in a cattle farm in Orihuela on February 8, after which the ministry quickly mobilized to implement control measures and secure vaccine supplies. Officials emphasize that rapid action was essential to complete the vaccination schedule for as many animals as possible at least 21 days before the start of the mosquito vector season. This proactive stance helps to curb transmission and protect the broader agricultural economy. (Source: Conselleria de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca)
Vaccination began several weeks ago, with more than 15,000 doses administered to date. Most of these injections have occurred on farms that are part of the regional Sanitary Defense Groups or ADS, where authorities coordinate disease prevention and rapid response on the ground. (Source: Conselleria de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca)
Blue tongue, or ovine catarrhal fever, is caused by a virus in the Orbivirus genus of the Reoviridae family. It affects domestic and wild ruminants and is transmitted through bites from certain Culicoides midges. The illness does not pose a risk to human health, but it can seriously impact meat and dairy production, restrict animal movements, and hamper trade within restricted zones. It is a mandatory-report disease, and any suspected case in an uninfected area must be reported immediately. (Source: Conselleria de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca)
To minimize risk, the ministry maintains sentinel farms across the province, monitoring the entry of the virus and the potential northward spread. No additional animals with clinical signs have been detected within the Community of Valencia at this time. Such vigilance helps to prevent wider outbreaks and supports a measured, science-based response. (Source: Conselleria de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca)