Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium confirms first 2025 BTV8 cases in cattle, sheep, and goats. FASFC reports vaccination against BTV3, BTV8, and EHD is effective. Spokesperson Hélène Bonte notes mild symptoms in vaccinated animals.
As Nieuwsblad News reported, for the 1st time in 2025, Belgium has confirmed cases of the bluetongue virus. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) said that the affected animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats, showed no symptoms.
The infections were found during routine testing and export checks. While the BTV8 strain has been present in France for some time, these are the first confirmed cases in Belgium in recent years.
What is Belgium doing about the 2025 BTV8 outbreak and the livestock trade?
The confirmation of BTV8 affects the movement of livestock across Europe. Belgium is now officially classified as an infected zone for this virus. The cattle, sheep, and goats can only be traded to other EU Member States after the animals have been vaccinated. The FASFC said there are strict rules to protect animal health and to limit the spread of the virus. Farmers and traders should ensure they follow the guidelines carefully regarding vaccination.
The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) said that more flexible rules apply to animals sent for slaughter. These animals must come from farms or establishments where no bluetongue virus infection has been reported. They must also show no signs of the disease in the 30 days before being transported.
The FASFC has also indicated that the vaccination campaign targeting three viruses: bluetongue serotypes 3 and 8, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), has been effective. The vaccinated animals can contract the virus, but do not show any symptoms or only mild signs.
Bluetongue mainly affects sheep and cattle. It can cause fever, swelling in the mouth, breathing problems, and lower milk production. In some cases, it can be fatal to animals. Humans are not affected by the virus. According to officials, vaccination and monitoring are the best ways to protect livestock and reduce 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,”
emphasises Hélène Bonte, FASC spokesperson.
Belgium has faced multiple outbreaks of the bluetongue virus in recent years. The first reports of BTV-3 were noticed in 2023, affecting cattle, sheep, and goats. Continuing through 2024, the virus spread, causing concern from farmers and officials. The Belgian government initiated a compulsory vaccination campaign in January 2025.
