The regional government in Madrid has cancelled the traditional annual herding of flocks of sheep through the centre of the Spanish capital which was scheduled for Sunday, as a preventative measure against a new variant of the bluetongue disease.
Bluetongue is a non-contagious, insect-transmitted, viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants, and can be deadly for animals such as sheep, cattle and goats. It is not known to affect humans. The disease is present in different areas of Spain and with different variants.
A new variant, BTV3, has been circulating in the Netherlands, northern Belgium and western Germany since last year, and has recently appeared in southwest Spain, Agriculture Ministry data show.
Although no cases of the new variant have been spotted in the Madrid region, authorities cancelled the traditional event as a precaution.
Once a year, sheep take to the streets of Madrid as part of the annual ‘Fiesta de la Trashumancia’ event, recognising the traditional routes used to herd livestock.
The 8th century tradition disappeared in the 19th century but was revived three decades ago, delighting locals and tourists alike.
Shepherds are allowed to herd their livestock towards southerly pastures for the winter through some of the busiest areas of the city, such as the central Puerta del Sol square.
Several countries including France and the Netherlands have implemented vaccinations campaigns against the new variant.
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