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Bluetongue outbreak spreads to Moratalla, threatening sheep farms in Murcia
Virus confirmed on two more farms as hundreds of sheep have died in the Northwest region
The bluetongue disease is advancing steadily across sheep farms in the northwest of Murcia, with the first cases now recorded in Moratalla. Official tests have confirmed outbreaks on farms in both Moratalla and Calasparra, joining five previously affected farms in Calasparra and one in Cehegín. In total, seven farms in the region are battling the virus, which has already killed hundreds of sheep.Regional agricultural authorities acknowledge that the exact number of animals affected remains private information, though livestock groups estimate around 400 deaths have occurred. Carlos Esparcia, livestock secretary of the Union of Small Farmers, expressed serious concern about the outbreak’s impact, citing some farms with up to 50 fatalities and noting additional losses from abortions caused by the disease. He called for a stronger, coordinated approach including broader vaccination, pest control, and incentivised research into vaccines covering more virus types.
Teresa López, president of the Region of Murcia's College of Veterinarians, detailed ongoing analysis of virus spread, including a farm housing over 2,000 animals that is showing a 4.5 to 5 percent infection rate. The sheep population in the region totals around 450,000 across nearly a thousand farms, making vaccination and insect control crucial. López believes the spring vaccination campaign helped form a “firewall” in some areas, though others refused vaccination, and shortages of vaccine doses limited broader coverage.
Bluetongue is a viral disease spread by midges, affecting ruminants but posing no risk to humans or those consuming meat or dairy from infected animals. Symptoms in sheep include fever, mucous membrane inflammation, respiratory issues, and often death. The disease poses a threat not only to animal welfare but also to the region’s livestock exports.
The Regional Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries and veterinary experts urge farmers to vaccinate and implement pest control to reduce the virus’s impact. The outbreak shows no signs of slowing, and a unified, adequately supported response is needed to protect Murcia’s valuable sheep farming sector.
Image: Olga Lioncat/Pexels
