PRAGUE, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Over 50 outbreaks of bluetongue disease have been reported in the Czech Republic since early September, according to the State Veterinary Administration (SVS).
In the past week, the SVS recorded nine new outbreaks affecting nearly 800 cattle, mostly in the western part of the country, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
Preventative measures have been implemented on all affected farms to control the spread of the disease. Currently, there are 54 outbreaks nationwide.
In response to the evolving situation, the SVS has expanded protection zones around the outbreaks and updated emergency veterinary measures, including simplifying the rules for voluntary animal vaccination.
"The changes are in response to ongoing developments, as new outbreaks continue to rise," SVS head Zbynek Semerad said in the statement, emphasizing the need to protect other farms from potential infection.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild ruminants, primarily sheep, goats, and cattle. It is transmitted by blood-sucking insects, particularly ticks.
Bluetongue reappeared in the Czech Republic for the first time in 15 years, following an outbreak at a farm near the German border on Sept. 6 this year. ■
