The Role of Midges in Transmitting the Bluetongue Virus: Insights from Insect Expert Peter Koomen

The Role of Midges in Transmitting the Bluetongue Virus: Insights from Insect Expert Peter Koomen

Small mosquitoes that cause dead sheep and infected cattle. Midges are mainly responsible, but according to insect expert Peter Koomen, humans also have a role in it. Midges are small mosquitoes related to mosquitoes. They have bead-shaped antennae and are basically always there, even in the Netherlands. Occasionally they cause problems. Mosquitoes can transmit viruses, … Read more

Bluetongue Outbreak in Netherlands: Veterinarian Warns of Potential Spread to Drenthe

Bluetongue Outbreak in Netherlands: Veterinarian Warns of Potential Spread to Drenthe

At the moment, no cases of bluetongue have been reported in Drenthe, but Bernd Hietberg, veterinarian in Beilen, fears that it is a matter of time before we will also have to deal with it here. The viral disease is currently spreading rapidly among cattle and especially among sheep. Bluetongue infections mainly occur in North … Read more