In Spain, veterinarians are on the frontline in battling a disease caused by bloodsucking insects, particularly mosquitoes and flies, which transmit a virus harmful to cattle. The transmission of the virus occurs when these insects bite infected animals and later infect healthy ones, leading to widespread outbreaks in farms. This situation poses a significant risk as even a single case of infection in a herd mandates the culling of the entire livestock, highlighting the severity of the issue and the financial distress it can cause to farmers.

Ramon Solanilla, the general secretary of Asaja in Aragón, emphasizes the harsh realities faced by cattle farmers, noting that an outbreak can turn a healthy farm into the next affected area on the map. The disease's spread isn't just a matter of animal health; it represents a looming economic crisis for those relying on cattle farming for their livelihoods. With the livestock sector being vital to Spain's agricultural economy, protecting cattle from such diseases is crucial to maintaining both animal welfare and economic stability.

As veterinarians ramp up their efforts to combat the virus, their work emphasizes the interconnectedness of animal health and agricultural productivity. The use of syringes and vaccines is a preventative strategy being implemented to safeguard cattle from infections. This proactive approach not only aims to curtail the spread of the disease but also to reassure farmers and the public about the robustness of Spain's livestock industry amidst biological threats.