Sassari The bluetongue virus continues to spread relentlessly among the sheepfolds of Sardinia. From September 20 to 23, the outbreaks increased by 149 units, from 2,137 on Friday to 2,276 yesterday. The data were released by the experimental zooprophylactic institute of Sardinia, which continues to monitor the evolution of the disease on the island.
The current situation in Sardinia, with over 10 thousand dead sheep, is aggravated by the presence of a new subspecies of the virus, serotype 3, for which there is not yet a vaccine, and which is spreading especially in central and southern Sardinia.
For serotype 8, the vaccination campaign, which began last June with a delay of more than a month, is continuing with boosters and emergency vaccination.
Vaccines are also available for serotype 4, which is not particularly widespread at the moment (some outbreaks in Ogliastra).
This is the detailed picture of the eight territories under the jurisdiction of the Sardinian ASL, divided by serotype.
Of the orphan 3which is reaping thousands of victims among livestock, 795 outbreaks are active, divided as follows: 8 in Sassari, 1 in Nuoro, 14 in Ogliastra, 103 in Oristano, 181 in Medio Campidano, 167 in Sulcis, 321 in Cagliari. Of the orphan 4 1 outbreak in Sassari and 11 in Ogliastra. Of the orphan 8 the total number of affected sheepfolds is 538 distributed as follows: 297 in Sassari, 110 in Gallura, 103 in Nuoro, 28 in Ogliastra. There are another 931 outbreaks that have not yet been identified (the Taranto laboratory takes 10 days to type and say which serotype the virus belongs to). In this case we are talking about 931 outbreaks: 169 in Sassari, 31 in Gallura, 292 in Nuoro, 26 in Ogliastra, 384 in Oristano, 11 in Sulcis and 18 in Cagliari.
A handbook has been published on the website of the zooprophylactic institute, which indicates the symptoms for recognizing the disease and the good practices that breeders should adopt to limit the spread of the virus, limiting the damage.
Recognizing the disease
“The affected sheep appear tired and fatigued by the fever and tend to isolate themselves from the rest of the flock,” reads the pamphlet from the zooprophylactic institute. “There is redness around the lips, between the nostrils, inside the mouth, on the gums and on the tongue. Mucus may come out of the nose, which may become bloody and which, when dried, quickly encrusts the entire muzzle. There may be red areas in the ears and between the claws. Diffuse swelling may appear in the mouth.”
Fight against the vector insect
“Eliminate puddles of water and mud to prevent the insect vector from laying eggs,” explains the institute’s handbook. “The fight against insects can be done by acting directly in the areas where the insect reproduces, that is, in the water pools near the farms, through the use of insecticides (synthetic derivatives of pyrethrum). Drain or fill depressions and ditches to prevent the formation of pools of muddy water, manure or sewage in sheepfolds, around watering holes and in grazing and gathering places. Turn the mud up to a depth of 20-30 centimeters to dry it. Take care of the hygienic conditions of the farm, avoiding sewage leaks. Carry out systematic disinfestation of the animal shelters and the surrounding environment, including mosquito nets, with authorized insecticides. Prevent contact between animals and insects, using repellent substances systematically. Keep animals indoors during the night, possibly protected with thick mosquito nets and sprayed with authorised insecticides.