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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Blåtunga Outbreak in Sweden: A Growing Concern

Published: 2024-09-13

Sweden is facing a resurgence of the livestock disease blåtunga, with recent cases confirmed in Uddevalla and Halland.

This marks the first outbreak in 15 years, affecting cattle and other ruminants.

The disease, spread by biting midges, poses no risk to humans but can cause significant distress to animals and economic losses for farmers.

Authorities have imposed movement restrictions on affected farms to contain the spread.

While the disease is not being combated nationally as it was in 2008, monitoring and reporting of symptoms remain crucial.

The colder months may naturally reduce the spread as the midges become inactive.