Bluetongue in Sweden
Bluetongue was found in Sweden.
Photo: Hanne Mari Jordsmyr.
The contagious animal-disease bluetongue was confirmed in Sweden for the first time. The National Veterinary institute is monitoring the situation carefully.
- We are now assessing the risk of the disease coming to Norway, says assistant director Harald Gjein.
Not contagious for humans
Bluetongue is a virus-disease that affects ruminanta. The disease does not spread directly from one animal to another, but the virus can be transferred between animals through the insect, Ceratopogonidae. The disease has spread throughout Europe, but has never been found in Norway or Sweden before. The disease does not spread to humans.
Contacts at the National Veterinary Institute:
Ståle Sviland, researcher
Telephone: +47 23 21 63 82
E-mail: stale.sviland@vetinst.no
Jorun Jarp, Head of Department
Telephone: +47 23 21 60 67
E-mail: jorun.jarp@vetinst.no
