European Union veterinary experts are likely to start relaxing movement restrictions on cattle, goats and sheep next week as outbreaks of the viral disease bluetongue seem to be easing, officials said on Friday.
Outbreaks of the disease, transmitted via midges, have been confirmed in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, although incident numbers are still low. Last week, the experts agreed to set up a three-zone buffer area of 150 kilometres (94 miles) surrounding the outbreaks in parts of the three countries and the whole of Luxembourg.
Their next meeting is due to be held in Brussels on Monday. The first probable rule change will be to allow farmers to move animals destined for slaughter within initial 20-km (13-mile) "standstill" zones. At present, all movement of live animals on or off farms in such zones is banned.
"They (experts) are likely to allow movement of animals within the standstill zone for slaughter. That change is very likely - the Dutch have requested it and it's likely to be granted," a European Commission official told reporters.
The Dutch farm ministry said it allowed exports of cattle, sheep and goats from the northen Netherlands from Friday after tests showed no traces of the disease there.
Last week it imposed a blanket ban on exports when the first case of bluetongue in sheep was found in the southern Netherlands.
Currently there are 27 confirmed cases of bluetongue in the Netherlands, all of which are in the south of the country. Belgium has 37 cases.
Bluetongue has been present for several years in parts of Spain and Italy but its occurrence for the first time in northern Europe has surprised veterinary experts, especially the fact that the disease has been found in cattle.
The exact disease strain involved in the current outbreaks had still not been identified, making development of an appropriate vaccine impossible, the official said.
"They (experts) know it's bluetongue but still don't know the strain, they haven't managed to isolate it yet. Vaccination would be an option once there is a strain identified," he said. The origin of the latest outbreaks is also unknown.
Officials say the virus may have been imported into northern Europe by an animal from one of the EU's infected areas - illegal in itself, due to the bloc's movement restrictions - or by an aircraft carrying insects coming from an infected area.
Bluetongue varies in its severity and mortality rate depending on the virus strain and the species and breed of animal affected. It is characterised by inflammation of the mucous membranes, congestion, swelling and haemorrhages.
Among the susceptible species, sheep generally suffer the worst and commonly show signs of fever and ulcers in and around the mouth. In a small percentage of cases, the tongue is discoloured to purplish-blue. There is no risk to human health.