Bluetongue virus spreads to France

AFP, August, 2006

PARIS (AFP) — France has become the latest European country to report cases of the bluetongue virus, in dairy cows in the north of the country. The insect-borne disease, which is fatal to sheep but not contagious or known to affect humans, was identified in a cow in the town of Brognon and in another in the town of Beaurieux, the agriculture ministry said Thursday.

Sheep are generally worst affected by the disease, which causes swelling of the head and haemorrhages. Cattle and ...