PRAGUE, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Czech State Veterinary Administration (SVS) on Wednesday extended the bluetongue protection zone to cover the entire country as outbreaks continue to rise.

In a protection zone, specific restrictions would be imposed on the movement of animals susceptible to bluetongue disease. With the extension of this zone to the entire country, the Czech Republic has "officially lost its bluetongue-free status within the European Union," according to the SVS.

Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants, primarily sheep, goats, and cattle. It is transmitted by blood-sucking insects, especially ticks.

Bluetongue reemerged in the Czech Republic for the first time in 15 years following an outbreak at a farm near the German border on Sept. 6. To date, the country has recorded 67 outbreaks, an increase of nine compared to the previous week.

Also on Wednesday, the SVS issued new national emergency veterinary measures, outlining conditions for animal vaccination against bluetongue in the Czech Republic. Vaccination remains voluntary and is funded by the animal breeder.

"SVS recommends that cattle and sheep breeders vaccinate their animals against bluetongue to prevent the introduction of the disease to their farms," SVS head Zbynek Semerad said in a statement. Enditem

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