Outbreaks of the blue tongue virus multiply in Sardinia: thousands of sheep have died. 120 thousand doses of vaccine are coming to stop the epidemic
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
The blue tongue epidemic makes Sardinian farmers tremble. In recent weeks, outbreaks in sheep farms on the island have multiplied, reaching 844. The animals that have died following the bluetongue affecting ruminants are about 1700 so far, while those with symptoms are over 21 thousand. The only lifeline for poor animals is vaccines against the virus. Finally, after weeks of fears and uncertainties, the good news has arrived regarding the acceleration of the vaccination plan.
This was communicated in the past few hours by the Minister of Health Roberto Speranza, who announced that 120 thousand doses of the vaccine will be made available to Sardinia.
"In recent weeks in Sardinia, the circulation of the Blue tongue virus has resumed in farms - said Speranza responding to the question time at the Chamber of Deputies - Already in the first notifications of outbreaks, the Region in synergy with the ministry and the National Reference Center at the Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise has increased the measures aimed at carrying out an extraordinary vaccination campaign, and it was agreed to proceed with vaccination in the areas at greatest risk of spread with the use of a stockpile of 120 thousand doses of vaccine. The local veterinary services will be supported by 90 veterinarians temporarily made available by the regional agriculture department. Regional authorities have begun reconnaissance for a further supply of approximately 600 doses of the vaccine. Failure to complete the scheduled vaccination cycles is also attributable to staff shortages. Personnel management is the responsibility of the regional authorities. Trainees can be admitted from the third year to management in the National Health Service.
Meanwhile, the Sardinia Region has announced that it has allocated 2,5 million euros which will be used to compensate breeders for the deceased animals and the consequent loss of profit.
But, beyond the announcements made at national and regional level, the greatest fear for farmers is that the number of veterinarians involved in the vaccination campaign is not enough to cope with an epidemic that spreads like wildfire and which has paralyzed an entire sector in Sardinia.
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Sources: Sardinia Region / Chamber of Deputies
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