France Ramps Up Vaccine Efforts Amid Bluetongue Virus Outbreak

France has detected a second outbreak of the new variant of the bluetongue virus in northern Europe. The virus has been circulating in the Netherlands, northern Belgium, and western Germany since late last year. In response, France is speeding up its vaccination campaign, providing 6.4 million doses to farmers.

France has reported a second outbreak of a new variant of the bluetongue virus in northern Europe, prompting authorities to accelerate and expand a vaccination campaign in the region, the farm ministry announced on Friday. This follows an initial outbreak near the Belgian border earlier in the week.

The bluetongue virus, transmitted by insects and potentially fatal for domestic ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats, has been active in the Netherlands, northern Belgium, and western Germany since late last year. In response, France is increasing the provision of free vaccines to farmers, raising the total to 6.4 million doses, with 1.1 million for sheep and 5.3 million for cattle, up from an initial 4.6 million doses.

Beginning Monday, farmers will have access to these vaccines. Initially, the ministry planned to start the campaign on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)