Catarrhal sheep fever has returned to the Czech Republic. A ram died in Jindřichovice

On the farm in Jindřichovice in Sokolovsk, where the occurrence was confirmed, there are currently over 370 sheep, 200 goats and more than 130 cattle – all these animals are susceptible to the disease. The ram, which was tested positive for the infection, was showing symptoms typical of bluetongue, which include fever, nasal discharge, impaired breathing, swelling of the lower lip and reduced food intake. In the last few days, two more rams died here, which also showed symptoms of the disease.

Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by insects, which mainly affects sheep, goats and cattle. In cattle, it is usually asymptomatic, but sheep and goats can show severe symptoms including fever, swelling and inflammation in the oral cavity. The infection is not transmissible to humans.

State Veterinary Administration (SVS) immediately implemented emergency measures in response to the confirmation of the infection. A zone with a radius of 150 km will be marked around the focus of the infection, where stricter rules for movements will apply animals. Breeders in this area, they have a duty to monitor the health status of their animals and report any changes immediately.

Animals from the affected area must not be moved to other farms during the duration of the measures. This significantly limits trade in animals, especially with third countries (outside the EU).

In response to the confirmation of the infection, the State Veterinary Administration (SVS) is taking extraordinary veterinary measures with the aim of minimizing the risk of the spread of the infection. “As part of the measures, there is no need to euthanize animals in the focus. A zone with a radius of 150 km will be marked around the outbreak. Stricter movement rules will apply to animals from farms in this area. Breeders will be ordered to monitort the health status of the animals and immediately report any changes to the relevant KVS. In the event of the appearance of clinical symptoms, samples will be taken from the affected animals on the farm,” said SVS central director Zbyněk Semerád.

According to the State Veterinary Administration (SVS) currently Bluetongue (KHO) spreads in Western Europe, especially in France, Germany, Denmark and Luxembourg. Only a few days ago, the infection was confirmed in Germany, only seven kilometers from the Czech border.

KHO occurred in the Czech Republic between 2007 and 2009. A total of 14 outbreaks were gradually confirmed. The last case in the country was recorded in September 2009. From 2007 to the end of April 2011, all cattle, sheep and goats older than three months were subject to compulsory vaccination in the Czech Republic. The costs associated with compulsory vaccination were covered by the state. “Even for the current wave of infection, breeders will be able to contact the Ministry of Agriculture, which will compensate for the costs associated with the occurrence of bluetongue,” said Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný.

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