The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment has declared Mallorca an affected area for bluetongue serotype 3, a viral disease that affects ruminants. The announcement coincides with the start of the second mandatory vaccination campaign against serotype 8, which is now considered under control in the Balearic Islands after achieving herd immunity levels above 90% in sheep and cattle.
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Mallorca launches urgent vaccination plan after detection of bluetongue serotype 3
Regional Minister Joan Simonet and Director General of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Fernando Fernández, sought to reassure the farming sector, confirming that vaccines for serotype 3 are available and that the campaign will begin immediately. Priority will be given to a 10-kilometre radius around the outbreak detected in Bunyola, with urgent vaccination of farms in eleven municipalities, including Palma, Marratxí, Esporles and Valldemossa.
So far, a single outbreak has been confirmed on a sheep farm with 156 animals. Fernández explained that “this is a very recent introduction of the virus,” which has led to the implementation of a different strategy compared to previous outbreaks. In addition to vaccination, authorities will strengthen cleaning, disinfection and livestock movement controls.
The Ministry has secured an initial batch of 50,000 doses and signed an emergency contract to purchase an additional 230,000 doses. At the same time, the Animal Health and Welfare Service will be reinforced with six new staff members, and a provisional laboratory capable of carrying out PCR tests will be installed in the region.
Regarding serotype 8, the situation is positive. With more than 90% of livestock immunised, the disease is now under control. Since 2023, the Balearic Government has allocated over €2.6 million in direct aid and animal replacement programs to support farmers.
Finally, Simonet stressed that this alert poses no risk to human health, as bluetongue only affects ruminants and is transmitted by Culicoides midges.