Brussels – Belgium has confirmed its first cases of the BTV8 virus in cattle, sheep, and goats for 2025, with the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) reporting that vaccination against BTV3, BTV8, and EHD is effective, reports 24brussels.
According to Nieuwsblad News, these instances mark the first reports of the bluetongue virus in Belgium this year, with affected animals showing no significant symptoms. The infections were detected during routine testing and export checks, highlighting preventive measures amid concerns regarding animal health.
The BTV8 strain has been notably prevalent in France, and these outbreaks are the first confirmed cases in Belgium in recent years. With Belgium now classified as an infected zone for this virus, regulations regarding the movement of livestock across Europe have been enforced.
What is Belgium doing about the 2025 BTV8 outbreak and the livestock trade?
The FASFC mandates that livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, can only be traded to other EU Member States following their vaccination against the virus. Strict guidelines have been established to protect animal health and curb the virus’s spread, placing the onus on farmers and traders to adhere to vaccination protocols.
For animals intended for slaughter, more lenient regulations apply. They must originate from farms where no bluetongue infection has been reported and should display no signs of illness within 30 days prior to transport.
In addition, the FASFC has reported the success of its vaccination campaign aimed at three viruses: bluetongue serotypes 3 and 8, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). While vaccinated animals can still contract the viruses, they tend to exhibit no or only mild symptoms.
Bluetongue primarily affects sheep and cattle, causing symptoms such as fever, oral swelling, respiratory issues, and reduced milk production. In severe cases, the virus can be fatal. However, humans remain unaffected. Officials stress that vaccination and stringent monitoring represent the best strategy for protecting livestock and preventing further outbreaks.
“Animals can still become infected with the viruses, but properly vaccinated animals show no or much less severe symptoms. Furthermore, we are approaching the end of the vector season, which significantly reduces the spread of the virus,”
emphasizes Hélène Bonte, spokesperson for the FASFC.
Belgium has witnessed multiple bluetongue virus outbreaks in recent years, with the initial cases of BTV-3 reported in 2023, affecting livestock. The virus continued to spread throughout 2024, prompting concern among farmers and officials alike. In response, the Belgian government initiated a compulsory vaccination campaign in January 2025.
