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Bluetongue virus serotypes other than BTV-3, Europe, October 2024

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Netherlands: Serotype 12

A new variant of the bluetongue virus has been identified in a sheep in Kockengen. It was identified as bluetongue serotype BTV-12, according to research by Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR, part of Wageningen University & Research). The European Bluetongue Reference Laboratory in Madrid confirmed that the animal in question was infected with BTV-12.

Following the detection of BTV-12 in the sheep in Kockengen, additional research was commissioned by LVVN in 8 ruminants in the immediate vicinity (radius of 5 km [3.1 mi]). One of these animals, a cow, also proved positive for BTV-12 in the analysis of Wageningen Bioveterinary Research. This sample has also been offered to the European Reference Laboratory for confirmation. These results are expected early next week. The cow in question calved in September [2024]. The calf was sampled by the NVWA and is currently being examined for the presence of bluetongue.

The Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Fishery, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) have been informed about the new bluetongue variant. Due to the determination of BTV-12, LVVN minister Femke Wiersma has ordered that all bluetongue-positive samples submitted for testing since 1 Sep 2024, to be analyzed again and checked for the presence of BTV-12.

The continuous trickle of farms affected by bluetongue leaves today in Extremadura -- a predictable -- increase of new outbreaks (a dozen) and a novelty. One of these officially declared outbreaks has sheep infected with serotype 4. Until now, in the region there were cases of infections of type 1 and serotype 3, the most harmful for the livestock. For type 1, there are no vaccines and there will not be until approximately February [2025]. For type 3, yes, but clearly insufficient to cover the entire livestock. But it is striking that serotype 4 of bluetongue appears or rather reappears in Extremadura. It is the 'classic' that Extremadura has had for years and against which vaccinations are being carried out.

Spain: Serotype 4

This type 4 outbreak has been reported in the municipality of Azuaga, in the Campiña Sur. It is 1 of the 10 reported today [22 Oct 2024] by the veterinary alert network of the Ministry of Agriculture, following the analysis of animal samples carried out by the reference laboratory in Algete. he other 9 outbreaks of bluetongue include one in the municipality of Badajoz with serotype 3, the most harmful for sheep because it has a higher mortality rate. In addition, cases have appeared in Don Benito, Peraleda del Zaucejo, Puebla del Maestre, Zafra, La Coronada and Villanueva de la Serena.