Bluetongue is a contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep or goats and other wild ruminants. It is not contagious among them, but is transmitted through the bite of mosquito vectors of the genus Culicoides spp. In Galicia it was detected for the first time in 2007, spreading throughout most of the territory of the Community. At that time, annual vaccination campaigns were carried out and disinsection of animal transport vehicles and other surveillance and control measures were applied. Thus, Galicia managed to eradicate the disease and obtain the status of “bluetongue-free zone” since 2015.
Since then, a surveillance program has been applied in Galicia and the rest of Spain. Therefore, the
It should be pointed out that the entire territory of Galicia is a restricted zone for bluetongue serotype 4, but for the purposes of cattle and sheep movement requirements, two zones were determined: the initial restricted zone (declared in February 2023) and the new restricted zone (declared in November 2023).
The initial zone affects the provinces of Ourense, Pontevedra and the veterinary districts of Chantada, Sarria and Terra de Lemos-Quiroga in the province of Lugo. In this zone will be applied from April 16 until the end of the period of circulation of the vector all the conditions of movement (life or slaughter) indicated in the Order APA 1251/2020:
- Animals without symptomatology compatible with the disease
- Cattle and sheep from vaccinated farms
- Cattle and sheep older than 3 months vaccinated, or if younger than 4 months, offspring of vaccinated dams.
- Vehicles disinsected
In the case of the restricted zone news affects the province of A Coruña and all veterinary districts of the province of Lugo except Chantada, Sarria and Terra de Lemos-Quiroga. In this way, and until June 1, for bovines and ovines with life destination, put the focus on animals without symptomatology compatible with the disease, disinsected animals (disinsectants or repellents) and disinsected vehicles. In the case of cattle and sheep destined for slaughter, focus on animals without symptoms compatible with the disease and disinsected vehicles.
As for vaccination, starting next April 16, it is essential to vaccinate the largest possible number of susceptible animals, for which the Regional Ministry of Rural Environment enabled the possibility of vaccinating the veterinary staff of the ADSGs and other personal clinical veterinary staff.
Consult all the requirements in the document issued by the Xunta de Galicia.
