Bluetongue Disease Outbreak Reported on Norwegian Sheep Farm

Norway has confirmed its first outbreak of bluetongue disease since 2010 on a sheep farm. The disease, which affects domestic ruminants like sheep and cattle, prompts vaccination campaigns. Norwegian authorities culled two infected sheep, with the disease confirmed by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.

Norway has reported its first outbreak of bluetongue disease since 2010 on a sheep farm in its southern region, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on Friday.

Bluetongue can be fatal for domestic ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats. A new variant of the disease has been making rounds in northern Europe since late last year, triggering vaccination drives in nations like France. Although the virus strain in Norway remains unidentified, the outbreak marks a significant health concern.

“Two affected sheep were killed for animal welfare reasons before disease confirmation. Samples were taken on those two animals and sent to be analysed at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, who confirmed the disease,” WOAH stated. The infected sheep were part of a flock of 56, it added.