The "epizootic hemorrhagic disease", which can be fatal in cattle, has been detected for the first time in Europe: the arrival of biting midges that transmit it is "a consequence of climate change", reported Friday the French health agency Anses. The first cases of this viral disease, not transmissible to humans, were detected in autumn 2022 on the Italian island of Sardinia, then in Sicily, says ANSES in a note on its website. Outbreaks were subsequently identified in Andalusia, southern Spain. "In cattle, this potentially fatal disease results in fever, anorexia, lameness and respiratory distress," the agency said.
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No vaccine available
The disease, which mainly affects white-tailed deer and cattle, was discovered in the United States in 1955. The virus, transmitted by biting midges, "has since spread to Asia, Australia and Africa." Researcher Stéphane Zientara, quoted by ANSES, explains that "fifteen years ago we did not imagine that the disease could one day arrive in Europe" and that "Its extension is a direct consequence of climate change, which allows midge vectors to survive in our regions," he continues. According to the scientist, "the most likely hypothesis is that midges were transported across the Mediterranean by the wind."
No vaccine is available against the type of virus detected in Europe. Surveillance has been set up in France, says ANSES, "with the aim of analyzing any suspicious animal", especially among cervids.
