LJUBLJANA, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia officially confirmed its first case of bluetongue disease in a farm animal on Tuesday, the National Administration of Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection said in a report.

According to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), the disease was detected during routine animals health checks as antibodies were found, although the animals showed no symptoms.

The administration said the owners of animals have been advised to undertake preventive vaccination for the animals.

The disease has been spreading across Europe since 2023 and has been detected in most European Union members, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria and Italy.

Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild ruminants. Spread by certain midges but not transmissible to humans, it primarily affects cattle and sheep and can cause high animal mortality.

Its symptoms include a swollen, blue-tinged tongue and mouth inflammation. Some animals recover while others die from complications like fluid accumulation and an inability to eat or drink. Enditem

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