A recent outbreak of Bluetongue disease, officially known as ovine bluetongue fever (FCO), has been confirmed in a sheep farm in Marpent, Northern France.

This disease, transmitted by biting insects called Culicoides, poses a serious threat to sheep and can also affect cattle and goats.

Symptoms include fever, respiratory issues, and in severe cases, death.

In response to the outbreak, the French Ministry of Agriculture has implemented strict movement restrictions within a 150-kilometer radius of the affected area, requiring animals to undergo insecticide treatment and testing before leaving.

Vaccines for the disease are being prepared for distribution, with 600,000 doses ordered for sheep and 4 million for cattle.

The situation is being closely monitored as the disease has already spread from Belgium, raising concerns among farmers about potential economic losses and animal health.