Bluetongue Outbreak Among Sheep in Northern Cyprus

An outbreak of bluetongue disease, also known as catarrhal fever or “blue tongue,” has been reported among animals in Northern Cyprus. The virus has claimed the lives of over 150 sheep on local farms, and the number of infected animals is estimated to be close to one thousand.

According to Kibris Postasi, Mustafa Naimoğulları, the President of the Animal Producers and Breeders Association, reported the outbreak after a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"The blue tongue virus has devastated the country. Eighty farms are now under quarantine, with over 150 animals dead and nearly a thousand infected," Naimoğulları said.

The union leader explained that the virus, which originated in Dipkarpaz, has severely impacted sheep and goat farmers. The spread of bluetongue may be attributed to flies that landed on the carcasses of infected animals. It’s reported that deceased animals were “left in the pens” over the weekend until police arrived on Monday to inspect the premises.

Naimoğulları accused municipal authorities of negligence and called for immediate action. Bluetongue is spread through insect bites, primarily affecting sheep and occasionally cattle. Symptoms include fever, facial and lip swelling, and in severe cases, a blue discoloration of the tongue due to oxygen deprivation.

While bluetongue poses no direct threat to human health, the high mortality rate among infected animals often leads to significant financial losses for farmers.