Newsroom
Cases of Bluetongue disease have been confirmed in Cyprus, with the Veterinary Services urging livestock owners to remain vigilant and take steps to reduce animals' exposure to the insects that spread the virus.
The serotype identified in the recent cases is Bluetongue virus serotype 4 (BTV-4). Veterinary authorities said this is not the first time BTV-4 has been detected in Cyprus, where Bluetongue has been recorded for decades and different strains of the virus have appeared at various times.
Laboratory tests have recently confirmed BTV-4 infections at sheep and goat farms. The Veterinary Services are monitoring the epidemiological situation and applying the measures provided for under the relevant legislation.
What is Bluetongue?
Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants, particularly sheep. Goats, cattle and other susceptible animals can also become infected.
Despite its name, the disease is not spread through direct contact between animals. The virus is transmitted by the bites of tiny flying insects belonging to the Culicoides genus. These insects act as vectors, picking up the virus when feeding on an infected animal and transmitting it when they bite another susceptible animal.
The disease is therefore closely linked to weather conditions and insect activity. Warmer temperatures and humidity can support the activity and reproduction of Culicoides, while colder weather tends to reduce their activity and the risk of transmission.
The BTV-4 strain
Bluetongue viruses occur in a number of different serotypes, with more than 26 identified to date. These types can differ in their ability to cause illness and in the severity of symptoms.
The distinction is important because immunity or vaccination against one serotype does not necessarily protect an animal against another. For example, a vaccine targeting BTV-4 does not provide protection against BTV-8.
For this reason, identifying the particular serotype circulating in an area is important when veterinary authorities assess the situation and determine appropriate control and vaccination strategies.
Sheep can develop severe illness
The severity of Bluetongue can vary considerably between animals and species.
Sheep are the species most likely to develop significant clinical disease. Signs can include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, breathing difficulties, swelling around the face and muzzle, nasal discharge and sores in the mouth.
The tongue can become swollen and, in some cases, develop a bluish colour, which is the origin of the disease's common name.
Other possible signs include inflammation around the hoof, lameness, abortions and reproductive problems. Severe infections can lead to complications such as pneumonia and may be fatal.
Animals that recover can remain affected by weight loss, reduced milk production and problems with wool growth.
In cattle and goats, infection is often milder or produces no obvious symptoms.
Farmers urged to reduce insect exposure
With insects responsible for transmitting the virus, limiting animals' exposure to Culicoides is an important part of disease control.
The Veterinary Services advise farmers to use approved insect repellents or insecticides according to veterinary guidance and manufacturers' instructions. Livestock facilities should also be treated appropriately to control insects.
Where possible, animals should be protected from exposure during periods when Culicoides are particularly active. Keeping livestock in enclosed areas at those times can help reduce bites.
Farmers are also advised to remove stagnant water and areas of excessive moisture around animal facilities and watering points, while manure and other organic material should be managed properly to avoid creating conditions favourable to insects.
Vaccination remains an important tool
The Veterinary Services describe vaccination as the most effective measure for reducing the impact of Bluetongue, particularly in areas where the virus is circulating or there is a significant risk of transmission.
However, vaccination needs to take account of the specific serotype involved. Farmers should therefore discuss vaccination with their private veterinarian and the competent Veterinary Authorities, taking into consideration the local epidemiological situation and the vaccines that have been approved and are available.
Not a threat to people
Bluetongue does not infect humans and is not considered a zoonotic disease.
The virus is not transmitted to people and does not pose a public health risk. The significance of the current cases is therefore primarily related to animal health, livestock management and the potential impact on affected farms.
Different rules from Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Although Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, its presence does not automatically trigger the same response used for Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
Bluetongue is not classified in the same Category A group as Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Its management focuses on surveillance, laboratory testing, reducing transmission by insect vectors, vaccination where appropriate and controls on the movement of susceptible animals when required.
Importantly, the confirmation of Bluetongue does not automatically mean that animals at an affected farm will be culled.
The measures applied are determined by European and Cypriot legislation and can vary according to the epidemiological situation.
Farmers urged to report suspected cases
The Veterinary Services are asking livestock owners to check their animals daily and contact a private veterinarian if they notice symptoms consistent with Bluetongue.
Particular attention should be paid to fever, swelling of the face or muzzle, excessive salivation, a dark or bluish tongue, mouth lesions and lameness.
Early detection, laboratory testing and continued surveillance are important in managing the disease, alongside vaccination where appropriate and measures designed to reduce animals' exposure to the insect vectors.
Anyone who suspects that an animal may have Bluetongue is required under Cyprus' animal health legislation to inform the District Veterinary Officer for their area immediately.
Veterinary office contacts
Nicosia District Veterinary Office: 22 805241
Larnaca District Veterinary Office: 24 821275
Famagusta District Veterinary Office: 24 824555
Limassol District Veterinary Office: 25 819512
Paphos District Veterinary Office: 26 821260
