Bluetongue in Livestock: Updated Prevention & Control Measures – Spain 2026

March 23, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Toledo, Spain – Agricultural authorities in the Castilla-La Mancha region are reinforcing preventative measures against the bluetongue virus, a disease impacting primarily sheep and cattle, officials announced Monday. The updated recommendations, issued by the Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería y Desarrollo Rural, aim to bolster protection for livestock and minimize economic disruption.

The Dirección General de Ordenación Agropecuaria developed the guidelines in collaboration with agricultural organizations, animal health defense associations (ADSG), and the Council of Veterinary Colleges of Castilla-La Mancha. These recommendations have been distributed to provincial delegations, veterinary services, and relevant industry groups, with details also available on the regional government’s website.

According to the updated guidance, the predominant serotypes of the virus circulating in Spain and Castilla-La Mancha in 2025 were 3 and 8, with isolated cases of serotypes 1 and 4 detected. Given the lack of cross-immunity between serotypes, authorities strongly advise vaccinating animals against all circulating strains annually. This strategy is considered the most effective method of protection, as no curative treatment for the virus exists.

Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by Culicoides species of biting midges. The disease is of mandatory declaration, meaning any suspected cases must be immediately reported to official veterinary services. The Consejería has provided a specific form on its electronic headquarters to facilitate reporting by livestock farmers.

Authorities note that climate change is contributing to the virus maintaining an endemic character within Castilla-La Mancha, increasing the necessitate for continuous preventative measures. Vaccination is recommended for healthy herds at an appropriate reproductive stage, and animals should be dewormed prior to vaccination to maximize effectiveness.

The recommendations also address vector control. The peak activity period for the Culicoides midges is typically late summer and autumn. To minimize their presence, authorities advise applying repellents or insecticides to animals, facilities, and transport vehicles. Installing mosquito netting in vulnerable areas and eliminating standing water and manure accumulation are also recommended, as these conditions favor midge proliferation.

For farms involved in exports, the Consejería advises verifying specific sanitary requirements of the destination country, as some may require vaccination against particular serotypes. ASAJA Toledo has previously called for financial support to make vaccines more accessible to farmers, mirroring assistance provided in other regions facing the disease.

The regional government emphasized its commitment to animal health and the protection of the Castilla-La Mancha livestock sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration between farmers, technicians, and veterinarians in mitigating the impact of bluetongue.