The blue tongue disease has also appeared in the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Agriculture announced, signaling the spread of the virus that has already affected the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

The disease was discovered by laboratory testing of breeding rams on a farm in Jindrichovice in the Sokolov district, near the border with Germany, the Czech ministry announced.

The infected ram showed typical symptoms of the disease, including fever, runny nose, difficulty breathing and loss of appetite.

Czech veterinary authorities have established a 150 kilometer radius restriction zone around the farm, stipulating that cattle, sheep and goats can only be moved to other areas under strict conditions.

The blue tongue appeared in the Netherlands and then spread south and west. Cases have also been reported in Belgium and parts of Germany. The virus is not dangerous to humans.

It is transmitted by mosquitoes and spreads mainly to sheep and cattle, although wild ruminants, llamas, alpacas and goats are also susceptible to it. A certain degree of protection against the disease can be achieved by vaccination.