PARIS – Hungary has reported its first outbreak of bluetongue disease in ten years, according to a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The outbreak, which was confirmed by Hungarian authorities, affects a cattle herd in the southwestern Somogy county.
The report, released by the WOAH on Wednesday, indicates that 15 out of 303 animals in the herd have been infected. This is the first time the country has seen a bluetongue case since a previous outbreak in December 2015.
Understanding Bluetongue Disease
Bluetongue is a viral disease that primarily affects ruminants like sheep, cattle, and goats. It is not contagious and does not affect humans. The disease is spread by the bite of infected midges (Culicoides species), small insects that can carry the virus long distances on the wind.
Symptoms in affected animals can include:
• Fever
• Swelling of the head and neck
• Ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
• Lameness
While symptoms are generally more severe in sheep, cattle can carry the virus for long periods without showing clear signs, making them an important reservoir for the disease. There is no specific treatment for bluetongue, so prevention relies on vector control (managing midge populations with insecticides) and vaccination where a suitable vaccine is available for the specific strain of the virus.