Discovery of Bluetongue Virus Cases in Belgium

The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain has indicated that "the bluetongue virus, which affects livestock, has been discovered in 874 locations in Belgium." The Belgian agency added that an increase in infections is expected this summer and possibly into September and October, noting that from late autumn until early spring, when temperatures are below 10 degrees Celsius, no new cases are typically discovered. The agency emphasized the urgent need for vaccination. Reports confirm that the virus is spreading rapidly in the Netherlands and has also affected France. It is noted that "the bluetongue virus is only dangerous to livestock, causing a change in the tongue color to blue, high fever, and swelling in livestock, and it is transmitted by the bite of a very small mosquito, posing no danger to humans."