The "blue tongue" disease also affects Kosovo

09.07.2026

After spreading in the region, the disease "Bluetongue" has also been reported in the territory of Kosovo. This disease threatens to destroy animals, especially sheep. The identification of this disease was made by the Food and Veterinary Agency in Prishtina. According to this institution, currently the municipalities affected by this disease include Prishtina, Kamenica, Novobërda, Gjilani, Shtërpca, Vitia, Hani i Elezit, Kaçanik, and Ferizaj.

So far, there is no exact number of animals that have died from this disease, but the consequences will be many times greater if preventive measures are not taken to stop the spread of this disease.

This disease cannot be transmitted to humans, while animals are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, but nevertheless, the meat of animals affected by this disease should not be consumed. It spreads to animals, so after being bitten by mosquitoes or ticks, the tongue turns blue, after which the animal cannot feed, and as a result, the animal dies.

"Biosecurity measures include: banning animal movement, disinfecting farms, vaccinating and treating sick sheep, as well as burying dead sheep."

Because the disease spreads very quickly, as soon as farmers notice changes in their animals such as reduced food intake, increased body temperature, and lethargy in the animals, the nearest veterinarians should be notified immediately and tests should be done to confirm whether this disease has appeared.