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Bluetongue Virus Spreads To More Dutch Farms |
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| NETHERLANDS: August 8, 2007 | ||
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AMSTERDAM - The bluetongue virus, which affects sheep and cows, has spread to the centre and east of the Netherlands, affecting 117 farms in those areas, the Agriculture Ministry said on Tuesday. The disease, which causes fever and mouth ulcers and in some cases turns the animal's tongue blue, broke out two weeks ago. Bluetongue is transmitted by insects and can be highly dangerous to sheep. It does not affect humans.
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About 440 Dutch farms were affected by the virus in the Netherlands last year. A ministry spokesman said transport restrictions and limits on pesticide use had been extended to the newly affected areas. Bluetongue occurs sporadically in Mediterranean countries but last year there were also cases in northern Europe, including the Netherlands.
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REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
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