Balearic Islands confirm 78 outbreaks of bluetongue and buy 500,000 vaccines

Balearics at this time there is a total of 78 bluetongue bubblesas reported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment. That is why the Balearic Government has already closed the scheme the first purchase of up to 500,000 vaccines for the islands.

In particular, they were found 71 lights in Mallorca and seven in Menorcawithout the results of samples taken last week received by other farms in the Islands, as stated by Agriculture in a press release.

In a case Majorcathe farms affected by the disease are included Sóller (nine centers), Deià (eight), Pollença and Alaró (seven), Fornalutx and Bunyola (six), Campanet and Estellencs (five), Valldemossa, Escorca and Calvià (three), Esporles and Palma (two) and Felanitx, Andratx, Marratxí, Puigpunyent and Santa Margalida (one).

Likewise, other issues are possible without knowing the results of the samples in the towns of Binissalem and Lloseta. In Minorcathere are two suspected cases in Ciutadella and the three incidents were announced in Ferries and Es Migjorn Granin addition to the one already registered in Es Mercadal. Finally, in Ibiza they are waiting to find out about the results of the samples.

Director General of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Fernando Fernandezhas confirmed that the supply contract for 500,000 doses of Syva, one of the laboratories in Spain authorized by the Spanish Medicines Agency to produce and market the blue tongue vaccine, will close. They are expected to be delivered in early December.

“We have been working from the first moment in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to obtain vaccines,” said Fernández, making sure that the General Directorate has investigated its every way and opportunity. In addition, it is stated that the vaccine was purchased single dose in sheepeffective for serotype 8, the most aggressive, but also for serotype 4. “Which will further strengthen livestock immunity,” he stressed.

Likewise, the director general has clarified to the department that other vaccines are available in other countries of the European Union but do not have authorization from the Spanish Medicines Agency, so “they cannot be received or given because they do not meet the requirements.” or guarantee the safety of animals.

The Ministry remembers, as long as the vaccination campaign cannot start Precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of the disease. These measures are regulated in a protocol that shows the rules for the movement of livestock inside and outside the Balearic Islands, as well as the obligation to disinfect and disinfect animals, among others.

In addition, until further notice, in relation to fairs, competitions and other livestock exhibitions, movements of sensitive species for recreation or similar activities are not allowed within the seasonal period. Outside of seasonal periods, each case will be evaluated.

The director general recalled that this health warning has no effect on public health, as bluetongue is a viral disease that only affects reincarnations.