The number of livestock in Hauts-de-France affected by bluetongue continues to increase in the region. According to the latest weekly figures communicated this Tuesday, we are approaching 1,500 flocks affected in Hauts-de-France, with 1,079 cattle outbreaks affected and 368 sheep flocks.
While the North was the most affected at the beginning, the epizootic is now hitting Pas-de-Calais hard (240 cattle outbreaks affected, 50 sheep herds). The Côte d’Opale sector, which was until now rather preserved due in particular to sea winds limiting the circulation of midges which transmit the epidemic, is also affected with outbreaks identified in Boulonnais. In the North, there are 493 cattle outbreaks affected, and 120 sheep flocks.
At the national level, we now exceed the threshold of 4,600 cases recorded in 28 departments. The epidemic is likely to continue to progress until Christmas, as long as there are no real winter conditions which will disrupt the circulation of midges transmitting the disease. Sheep mortality has doubled in Hauts de France since the start of the epizootic; it increased by 20% for cattle.
