An outbreak of bluetongue appears at the gates of Aveyron, the regulated zone extended to the entire department

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The regulated zone of bluetongue serotype 3 (FCO-3) is now extended to the entire Aveyronannounced the prefecture.

And this due to the appearance of a home in the neighboring department of Tarn-et-Garonne. The department of Aveyron does not have any outbreaks of FCO-3, but is now entirely covered by the regulated zone which extends over 150 km from homes.

A disease not dangerous for humans

Aveyron had been covered by the regulated zone over almost the entire department15 days ago, following outbreaks in Corrèze and Ardèche.

The appearance of an outbreak in the Tarn-et-Garonne department has therefore significantly increased the regulated area towards the southwest.

Sheep catarrhal fever (FCO), also called blue tongue disease (“blue tongue” in English) is a viral disease which mainly affects domestic (sheep, cattle and goats) and wild ruminants.

This strictly animal disease is not dangerous for humans, including through the consumption of meat or milk from contaminated animals.

This viral disease is transmitted by a gnat, le culicoideand causes fever, throwing away and can lead to the death of animals the most affected.

Differentiated management measures

This disease, due to its impact on breeding, is regulated. France defined in the ministerial decree of July 4, 2024 management measures which are differentiated depending on whether they are enzootic serotype (i.e. structurally present in France) or exotic.

For the latter, it is planned the establishment of a so-called “regulated” zone restriction of movements, to limit the spread of the disease and preserve trade with other Member States.

In France, three serotypes are present: the BTV 8 et Editor 4 who are enzootic and for which vaccines exist.

Since August 2024, serotype 3 (BTV 3) occurred in the north of the territory, after having spread to the Netherlands and Belgium in particular. A regulated zone has been set up around the outbreaks of this exotic serotype. This is what now concerns Occitanie.

From August 2024, a strategy has been deployed against FCO serotype 3. A vaccination campaign cattle and sheep was launched. The Ministry of Agriculture communicated following the livestock summit by announcing that vaccination against FCO 3 will be free with State coverage throughout France for the sheep industry.

Vaccination aims in particular to stem the development of FCO-3, and thus to preserve herd health.

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