Blue tongue serotype 8 confirmed in Meira cattle herd, Lugo, Spain

The Xunta de Galicia’s Rural Environment Department reported a new focus of bluetongue disease (serotype 8) in a cattle farm in Meira, Lugo. The case was confirmed by the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Algete (Madrid) and notified to Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture through the Veterinary Health Alert Network.

It is the first serotype 8 detection in the province of Lugo and the third bluetongue focus reported in Galicia in 2026, following the end of the winter period when the Culicoides insect vector is less active. Serotypes 3 and 8 were also present in the region in 2025, while serotype 4 has not been detected after mandatory vaccination campaigns in earlier years.

Authorities emphasized that bluetongue does not affect humans and spreads only via insect bites between ruminants. They continue to recommend voluntary vaccination of cattle and sheep and advise farmers to avoid vector breeding sites and carry out regular disinsection of animals, facilities, and transport vehicles.