Portugal Reports Outbreak of Deadly Bluetongue Disease on Sheep Farm

Portugal has identified an outbreak of bluetongue disease on a farm in Torre dos Coelheiros, affecting 15 sheep and causing one death. The disease, dangerous for ruminants like sheep, cattle, and goats, is part of a new BTV3 virus variant that's been spreading in Europe since last year.

Portugal has identified an outbreak of bluetongue disease on a sheep farm in Torre dos Coelheiros, according to a statement from the World Organisation for Animal Health on Wednesday.

Bluetongue disease poses a serious threat to domestic ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats, with the latest outbreak attributed to a new BTV3 virus variant circulating in Europe since late last year. Countries affected, including France, have initiated vaccination campaigns in response.

The outbreak in Portugal was identified on a farm with 157 sheep. While 15 animals were affected by the virus, one sheep succumbed to the disease, the report says.

(With inputs from agencies.)