The bluetongue disease has returned to Romania, affecting several farms in the north-east part of the country. A total of 18 cases of serotype four have been confirmed since the initial notification on September 7, reports Thecattlesite.com.

The most recent outbreak has 28 susceptible cattle. It’s the fourth farm in Romania that got infected. The authorities took the necessary measures to restrict the movement of cattle in the area of Botosani county.

Hungary also confirmed this month cases of animals infected with bluetongue.

Last week, the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) said that the bluetongue disease was diagnosed in three farms in Bobulusi, Botosani county, on September 4, reports local Agerpres. The authorities took the necessary measures to limit the spreading of the disease.

The bluetongue disease affected hundreds of animals in Romania between August and December 2014.

The bluetongue disease doesn’t affect humans but causes economic losses through transmission to other animals. It is a non-contagious, insect-borne, viral disease, which affects ruminants.

Vaccination program against bluetongue disease in Romania

Bluetongue disease kills almost 400 animals in Romania

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com