First case of bluetongue disease registered in Czechia since 2009

Bluetongue disease has been registered in Czechia for the first time in 15 years, Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný said on Friday. An animal infected with the virus which affects sheep, goats and cattle, has died at a farm in Jindřichovice in west Bohemia.

The disease, which is spread by biting insects, causes a fever and swelling of the mouth in infected animals and can be fatal in the most severe cases. It does not affect people or food safety. According to Mr. Výborný, measures will be taken to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Cases of bluetongue disease have recently also been reported in other European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.