Bovine haemorrhagic disease identified in Beja and Santarém

Portugal’s Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) said on Tuesday that two outbreaks of epizootic bovine haemorrhagic disease have been identified this year, without symptoms, in the districts of Beja and Santarém.

The surveillance plan for this disease was implemented in 2023, and provides for the notification and investigation of clinical suspicions.

According to Lusa today: “the animal usually recovers within two weeks” although the disease, transmitted by biting midges, can be fatal. It cannot be transmitted to humans. Symptoms include fever, anorexia, lameness and respiratory distress. The virus has been present in Europe since October 2022, when it was reported in Italy and Spain. 

Natasha Donn
Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.

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