The Chief Veterinary Inspectorate confirmed the outbreak on November 22 at a cattle farm in Rajczyn, a village in the country’s south, after three positive test results from the herd.
District veterinarian Paweł Szewczyk said the disease, spread by Culicoides midges—tiny insects that bite animals and transmit the virus—was likely exacerbated by recent flooding in the region.
He added that animals can infect each other through exposure to blood or semen but said that culling was not necessary.
“Animals with bluetongue are not slaughtered. Such measures may only be taken if there is a humanitarian necessity, such as when the animals are no longer able to drink water and consume feed,” he said.
In a report published on its website, the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate said that the disease is non-threatening to humans and will not affect the circulation of animal-based products.
“The disease does not pose a threat to humans. There are no restrictions on meat and meat products, milk, hides, wool from ruminants,” the report read.
According to EU legislation, bluetongue falls under the C+D+E disease category, which means it is not subject to mandatory eradication.
Due to the long incubation period of the disease, clinical symptoms in cattle may not be visible until 60-80 days after infection.
