Andalusian Lamb Industry braces for Critical Vaccination Decision as Blue Tongue Threatens christmas Demand
SEVILLE, Spain – The future of the Andalusian lamb market this Christmas hinges on the widespread adoption of blue tongue vaccination, industry leaders warn, as a surge in circulating serotypes of the viral disease threatens livestock and consumer confidence. A decision by the Junta de Andalucía to fully subsidize vaccines against serotypes 3 and 8 for 2025 is being hailed as a crucial step, but calls are growing for preventative measures beyond vaccination to control the Culicoides mosquito, the disease vector.
Blue tongue, a well-known but previously manageable disease in Andalusia – particularly in seville, Cádiz, Córdoba, and Huelva – is experiencing an unprecedented outbreak with four serotypes (1, 3, 4, and 8) currently circulating. while mortality rates remain below 5% in most of Seville, eastern Andalusia is reporting losses as high as 30%. This year marks the first time the disease is circulating intensely within goat populations, adding further complexity to the situation. The Andalusian agricultural institution, Asaja Sevilla, emphasizes that the economic repercussions of mandatory vaccination would be more damaging than current disease-related mortality, advocating instead for a proactive approach combining early vaccination, farm disinfection, and repellent request.
“You have to trust the farmer,she is the first interested in the blue language not going anymore,” stated a representative from Asaja Sevilla. The organization is urging the Junta to allocate funds for farm disinfection, a key preventative measure against the Culicoides mosquito. Asaja also encourages consumers to support the sector by choosing Andalusian lamb, highlighting its “excellent quality.” The Ministry of Agriculture has already covered the cost of vaccines against serotypes 1 and 4, with the Junta de Andalucía now fully subsidizing vaccines for serotypes 3 and 8 for the coming year.
