More than 37,000 sheep have died from bluetongue in Portugal, with 1800 farms affected by the outbreak, according to data from the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) sent to Portuguese news agency Lusa.
So far, 118,607 sheep have been infected with bluetongue disease, the DGAV said.
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However, these figures only reflect the notifications received by the DGAV, so the numbers could be even higher.
The government has funded 385,050 doses of vaccine against serotype three of the bluetongue virus, and take-up has been ‘significant'.
The Ministry of Agriculture told Lusa: "With the authorisation of voluntary vaccination at the end of September 2024, take-up has been significant. So far, all the applications made by December 31 have been funded, corresponding to 385,050 doses of vaccine, for a total amount of €982,318.62."
Vaccination of adult breeding sheep and young sheep intended for breeding and cattle is compulsory against serotypes one and four of the bluetongue virus in Portugal.
Bluetongue disease
Three serotypes of bluetongue were circulating in Portugal: BTV-4, which first appeared in 2004 and was detected again in 2013 and 2023; BTV-1, identified in 2007, with outbreaks until 2021; and BTV-3, detected for the first time on September 13.
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The Azores and Madeira are free of the disease.
The Portuguese Government will also launch an eight-month disinsection plan from March to combat the disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
In Belgium, cattle and sheep farmers will be required to vaccinate their animals against serotypes three and eight of the bluetongue virus from January.
Outgoing deputy prime minister David Clarinval spearheaded the initiative after consulting agricultural organisations.
"The bluetongue virus caused heavy losses among Belgian cattle and sheep farmers last year," he said.
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The Belgian Government will provide compensation to farmers.
Mr Clarinval added: "This measure ensures that farmers are not left to bear the costs of protecting their livestock alone."
