September 1, 2006

Cow in France affected by Bluetongue
 

The French Agriculture and Fishery ministry said Thursday (Aug 31) that a case of Bluetongue disease has been detected in a milk cow in the north-east of France.

The ministry said safety and sanitary measures have been implemented in the Ardennes region. It said the disease is non-contagious and affects only ruminants and would not affect meat or milk consumption.

Bluetongue normally affects sheep, cattle and goats in the Mediterranean region and recently appeared in Northern Europe, in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The French government reinforced monitoring of the disease on Aug 23 because a case of the disease surfaced in Belgium, near France's northern border.

The ministry called on French farmers to closely monitor their stock and notify veterinarians of any symptoms.