Bluetongue monitoring replaces individual blood testing as of 1 July 2025

The expert panel comprising representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), NVWA, Royal GD, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), and sector organizations such as LTO, has reached an agreement on a new approach to monitor bluetongue in the Netherlands. This new approach will take effect on 1 July 2025. The most significant change is that not every individual animal showing symptoms of bluetongue can be tested for the virus free of charge. “We are transitioning to a monitoring program in which selected regional veterinary practices play a central role. The program will be coordinated by Royal GD,” says Melle Holwerda, WBVR researcher and Head of the National Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue.

Bluetongue Monitoring System

Under the new monitoring system, the Netherlands will be divided into twenty regions, each with an appointed veterinary practice. These practices will be authorized to submit three blood samples from ruminants showing clinical signs of bluetongue, from 14 unique business numbers (UBNs). Via Royal GD, these blood samples will be sent to WBVR, where they will be tested for the presence of the bluetongue virus. “We test both for the general presence of the virus, and specifically for serotypes 3 and 12.” LVVN, NVWA, Royal GD, and WBVR will meet monthly with sector stakeholders to discuss the findings of these analyses and provide guidance to the sheep and cattle sectors.

Reporting Suspected Cases

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Farmers and veterinarians are required to report suspected cases to the NVWA, even after the monitoring system has been introduced. An online form is available for this purpose. Based on these notifications, the NVWA may decide to collect and submit samples to WBVR for testing, independently of the monitoring program. “Reporting clinical suspicions is crucial for keeping track of how the bluetongue virus is developing,” Holwerda explains. “If a large number of reports come from a specific area, that region could be being designated as a suspected cluster, which might indicate the presence of a new serotype,” Holwerda adds. “In such cases, the NVWA will collect samples from the area and send them to WBVR for virus analysis.”

Other Animal Diseases

Holwerda also warns of the continued need for vigilance regarding other animal diseases. “Epizootic Haemorrhagic disease (EHD) or Foot-and-Mouth disease can show clinical signs similar to bluetongue. Given that both have recently been found elsewhere in Europe, it's especially important to remain alert.”

Testing for Export

For export purposes, animals must still be tested for the absence of the bluetongue virus before transport. These tests are carried out by WBVR’s National Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue. Animal owners who want to know whether their animal is infected can still request testing (see: Testing for Animal Diseases). However, the costs of these tests will be invoiced to the animal owner as of 1 July 2025.

Evaluation of the Monitoring Program

The monitoring program will be evaluated at the end of this year. Based on experiences with the new system, a strategy will be developed for 2026. The goal of the monitoring program is to keep track of the bluetongue situation in the Netherlands and to identify new serotypes as soon as they emerge. Monitoring results may also be used to regain the BTV-free status. To achieve this status, the Netherlands must demonstrate that the virus has not been present for three consecutive years.