The same midges in Europe also transmit the Schmallenberg and bluetongue disease viruses. Although these new viruses are usually widespread in Africa, Asia, and Australia, their detection in Central Europe is considered unusual from a geographical perspective. Reporting the occurrence of this disease to the European Commission or the World Organisation for Animal Health is not mandatory. No animal deaths specifically due to this disease have been recorded in the affected countries.
This virus is not dangerous to humans
Affected animals exhibit a short-term (lasting one or two days) fever, diarrhea, a significant decrease in milk production, and loss of appetite. Disease symptoms usually last 2–3 weeks. Although no animal deaths related to this virus have been recorded in the affected countries, infection during the pregnancy period in females can cause reproductive losses – premature births, abortions, or fetal deformities.
VMVT continuously monitors emerging information about the new animal health threat and its possible spread in Europe. Currently, the virus has been detected only in Central and Western Europe (Germany, France, and Switzerland).
“We currently preliminarily assess the risk of entry into Lithuania as low, but we cannot completely rule it out. Lithuania has midges of the genus Culicoides that can transmit this virus, and their activity is highest at the end of summer and early autumn. The risk would increase if the disease were detected closer to Lithuania or if infected animals were imported into the country,” says Vaidotas Kiudulas, Chief Veterinary Officer of the Republic of Lithuania.
Possible routes of virus entry include the import of infected ruminants, transport of infected midges by vehicles, and gradual spread of the virus through insects from one region to another. However, specialists emphasize that there is currently insufficient scientific data on the virus’s distribution and its ability to multiply in different Culicoides species.
VMVT warns farmers to remain vigilant
VMVT urges cattle, sheep, and goat keepers to carefully monitor the health status of their animals and recommends:
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- monitor animals and pay attention to fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sudden decrease in milk yield;
- record cases of abortions, stillbirths, or deformed offspring;
- reduce contact of animals with blood-sucking midges, especially at dawn and dusk;
- remove standing water, wet bedding, manure, and slurry accumulations where insects may breed;
- when purchasing animals from abroad, check their origin and health status, and if possible, keep newly imported animals separately for a while;
- if unusual disease signs or reproductive disorders are noticed, immediately contact a private veterinarian and inform VMVT.
