Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, which can be fatal in cattle, was first identified in Europe: The arrival on the continent of a species of mosquito that transmits the virus is “a consequence of climate change,” French health agency Anses said today.

The first cases of this viral disease, which is not transmitted to humans, were discovered in autumn 2022 in Sardinia and then in Sicily, according to Anses. The centers of the deadly disease were subsequently identified in Andalusia, in the south Spain.

“In cattle, the potentially fatal disease causes fever, anorexia, lameness and respiratory distress,” the French agency said in a statement. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease was first reported in 1955 in deer in Virginia, USA. In subsequent years, the virus spread to Asia, Australia and Africa.

“15 years ago, we could not have imagined that the disease would one day reach Europe,” explained researcher Stefan Ziedara. “Its spread is a direct consequence of climate change, which allows mosquito vectors to survive in (European) areas,” he added.

The most likely hypothesis is that the midges crossed the Mediterranean Sea carried by the wind.

So far, there is no vaccine for this virus.

With information from APE-MPE and AFP