The prefecture of Aveyron announced this Thursday, October 31 that the department of Aveyron was affected by the regulated zone for bluetongue.
There is no identified outbreak of bluetongue in Aveyron. This is the first reassuring news for breeders in the department. On the other hand, this disease, which affects domestic ruminants, has arrived among neighbors and is worrying state services. An outbreak was notably discovered in the Tarn-et-Garonne department.
“The department had been covered by the regulated zone almost entirely, 15 days ago following outbreaks occurring in Corrèze and Ardèche. The appearance of an outbreak in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne has significantly increases the regulated area towards the southwest. The regulated area now covers the entirety of Aveyron.indicates the prefecture in a press release.
What does this mean?
Bluetongue is transmitted by a midge. It causes high fevers in animals which can cause their death. Two serotypes are present in France, including an exotic one. The latter is targeted by health measures and the establishment of these regulated zones “restriction of movements, to limit the spread of the disease and preserve trade with other Member States”indicates the prefecture. On its website, the Ministry of Agriculture is more precise: “Movements from this area to the rest of the national territory are restricted: animals susceptible to FCO (cattle, goats, sheep) must have undergone disinfestation treatment (the vector of the disease is an insect) two weeks before their departure and having obtained a negative screening test, or having been vaccinated with a vaccine preventing viremia.”
This measure also concerns movements between European countries. “Movements from the regulated area may continue to Member States accepting disinfestation and negative screening tests, as well as in the case of vaccination with a vaccine preventing viremia,” indicates the Ministry of Agriculture.
Is it dangerous for humans?
Although this disease, also called blue tongue disease, can cause the death of affected animals, it does not extend to humans. “[Elle] is not dangerous for humans, including through the consumption of meat or milk from contaminated animals.reassures the Aveyron prefecture in its press release. Every week, the Ministry of Agriculture updates its data and updates its map, as it has just done with the extension of the regulated zone.
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