German authorities have reported a total of 50 outbreaks of bluetongue since the start of the year. Italy, Greece and Spain have also reported outbreaks this year, while France has not yet reported any in 2019. Last year, there were a total of 666 outbreaks reported in France and the country remains restricted for BTV 8 and 4.
Belgium reported an outbreak of Bluetongue serotype 8 on 27 March this year, the first one in the country since December 2008.
A total of eight animals were affected in a susceptible population of 785. Control measures are now in place for the whole of Belgium.
The Department takes a risk-based approach to import testing of ruminant animals coming in from affected countries. All ruminant animals originating from Belgium are being tested when they arrive in Ireland.
The advice to herd owners is:
First case of bluetongue found in Germany
Farmers warned against importing animals from bluetongue countries