Fatal Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 Infection in Female Dogs: A Case Report from Alentejo, Portugal, 2024.

Summary: In September 2024, a deadly virus typically found in farm animals jumped the species barrier in Portugal. Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3), usually affecting sheep, was confirmed as the cause of death in four pregnant sheepdogs. Scientists determined that the dogs likely contracted the virus by eating infected placentas from sheep that had recently given birth. Tragically, the infection caused all the dogs to miscarry and subsequently die. This alarming case confirms that Bluetongue virus can be fatal to dogs and highlights the need for caution around infected livestock.