Prishtina, July 29, 2025 – RKS News
The Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency (KFVA) has confirmed the first cases of “Bluetongue” disease in livestock in the country, following laboratory analysis of suspected infections. The disease has been identified in two farms: one located in the village of Marec, Prishtina Municipality, and another in the village of Brus, Lipjan Municipality.
In response, KFVA has enacted urgent preventive measures aimed at containing the spread of the disease. These include general movement restrictions on animals throughout the territory of Kosovo, effective immediately.
“All farmers, in cooperation with private veterinarians, are instructed to apply disinsection measures in and around farms, targeting mosquitoes – the main vector for transmission of the virus,” the agency stated. “Contact with animals from other herds must also be avoided.”
About the Disease
Bluetongue disease is a non-contagious viral disease transmitted by insect bites, specifically from Culicoides species (biting midges). The disease affects domestic ruminants – cattle, sheep, and goats. Sheep are the most susceptible to symptoms and fatalities, while cattle typically serve as reservoirs of the virus. The disease is not transmissible to humans and does not spread directly from animal to animal.
Legal Measures
Pursuant to Law No. 2004/21 on Veterinary Services, the KFVA issued Decision No. 01/574/2025 on July 29, 2025, outlining comprehensive emergency measures to control, prevent, and combat the outbreak. These include:
I. General Measures:
- Ban on the movement, sale, and trade of animals from farms.
- Farms where the disease is confirmed will be placed under full quarantine and labeled as infected; all entry and exit will be prohibited.
- Farmers are obligated to report any change in animal health to veterinarians immediately.
- Veterinary practitioners must apply strict health protocols.
- Farmers must implement biosecurity measures and use insecticides as recommended by veterinarians.
- Locations must be designated for the burial of dead animals.
- KFVA will continue epidemiological investigations and laboratory testing.
II. Exceptions:
- Animal movement from disease-free farms to licensed slaughterhouses is permitted, only with prior approval from the KFVA veterinary inspector.
III. Market Closures:
- Market managers are ordered to suspend operations immediately upon the decision’s entry into force.
IV. Enforcement:
- Kosovo Police and municipal authorities are required to cooperate with KFVA in monitoring the implementation of all measures.
V. Enforcement Date:
- These measures take effect as of July 29, 2025.
