On February 21, 2025, an incident involving Bluetongue, also known as catarrhal fever, was reported concerning lamb and sheep meat varieties. The notification was issued by the Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV), which is responsible for monitoring and regulating food safety and veterinary issues in the region.
This incident falls under the category of "Other incident," indicating that it does not fit into the conventional categories typically used for food safety alerts. The hazard category remains unspecified. As a viral disease, Bluetongue primarily affects ruminants, particularly sheep and cattle, and is transmitted by biting midges.
The detection of Bluetongue in lamb and sheep meat varieties raises concerns regarding animal health and the potential implications for meat production. It is crucial for stakeholders in the agricultural and food supply sectors to remain vigilant in monitoring for further developments related to this incident.
As the situation unfolds, authorities will likely continue to assess the impact of Bluetongue on lamb and sheep meat varieties, ensuring that appropriate measures are implemented to address the issue. Further updates from the DGAV and relevant health authorities are anticipated as they respond to this incident.