IJMOND – Infections with the bluetongue virus have been detected at sheep farms in Beverwijk and Heemskerk. The Beverwijk petting zoo De Baak also has infected sheep.
Bluetongue is on the rise throughout the Netherlands this month. Quite striking, because the virus was last diagnosed in 2009. Bluetongue is spread by midges (a type of mosquito) and cannot be transmitted by the infected animals themselves. This may include sheep, cattle and other ruminants. It is not contagious to humans, nor to pets.
De Baak petting zoo remains accessible
Infected sheep are kept separate in Beverwijk and Heemskerk. That is why they do not always graze in their permanent place. The petting zoo keeps them indoors, but remains open to the public. There are no health risks for children and adults.
No IJmond figures on bluetongue yet
It is unclear how many infections there are currently in the IJmond region. Both the municipalities and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) are closely monitoring the further spread of bluetongue. Companies do not have to cull infected animals, but they do have a duty to report to the NVWA if an infection occurs.
2023-10-01 12:20:42
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