At the end of October, like every year, the Transhumance Festival in Madrid. A traditional event that has left unforgettable snapshots in the capital in recent decades, with flock of sheep clogging the most representative streets.
Started 30 years ago to help the Cortes Generales approve the new Livestock Routes Lawrecognizing the ravines, cordeles and paths as public domain assets and a unique heritage in the world, the celebration is led by the Transhumance and Nature Association.
Now this 2024 tradition cannot be continued. The reason? It is clear: it has been canceled as a preventive measure due to the risk of spreading the blue tonguea viral disease that affects ruminants.
Explanation
Although several outbreaks have already proliferated in certain regions, there is still No has been noted in the Community of Madrid, where no case has been confirmed to date, as they have stated government sources to ‘EFE‘. So why is it a major threat to livestock farming?
Well, because it affects domestic and wild ruminants such as goats, sheep and cows, as well as other species such as camels and deer. First described in South Africais transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes of the genus Culicoideswhich act as vectors of the virus.
Symptoms
Even though It is not spread between animals nor does it pose a risk to human health.can have a strong impact on livestock productivity and the health of affected animals. The symptoms of the disease in sheep are usually the more seriouswith fever, inflammation in the mouth and nose, lameness and, in certain cases, a bluish tongue.
These signs can lead to weight loss, weakness and even death in the most severe cases. However, the severity of the disease depends on the type of virus that infects the species and, furthermore, the type of animal infected.
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