An outbreak of Bluetongue virus on hundreds of Dutch farms

Bluetongue causes fever and mouth ulcers and in some cases turns an animal’s tongue blue. It is transmitted by insects such as midges and can be highly dangerous to sheep and cows, although it does not affect humans. Up to 600 farms may already be contaminated triggering a setback for the country’s agricultural industry; in fact, the export of cows and sheep from the Netherlands will be restricted, as the animals will have to be tested or quarantined.