17th of June, 2020; Hauxia Republic
"Bluetongue?" An inquisitive voice called out towards a man kneeling next to a rasping sheared sheep on the floor. A sigh escaped his lips as she shook his head, wiping his hands before letting them rest on his knee as he turned to meet the man who spoke. "No actually, similar enough but we haven't had a bluetongue outbreak in this province for at least 20 years. I thought you had this lot vaccinated?" He asked, standing up as the man drew closer only to refuse a handshake as his hands were far from clean after examining the animal. Truth was, the vaccination question was weightless as it wouldn't answer any of the questions he had floating around in his head. The symptoms were strange enough, but there was no telling how infectious it was nor if it was isolated to this particular herd. Other concerns grew as the thought of what else came into contact with the wool in the days leading up to the first symptoms showing.
"Yeah, at least I thought so. Union was very clear about it the last time we had a bluetongue outbreak, these are maybe third or fourth generation, but I haven't had any cases since so I assumed we took care of it. You think this is serious enough to report?" The farmer asked, leaning down and placing a hand on the sheep's head to ease its passing; a somber expression taking over his face.
"No. Or well, I don't know. You telling me this was the only case you have?"
"Only one this bad, yeah. I got a few other heads who are sick, but nothing as terrible as this. Just a few colds here and there, and at least one with pneumonia I believe but nothing sharing all the symptoms this one has." The man explained, gesturing towards the swollen hooves and excessive drooling.
"Hmm. Well keep an eye on it, and report anything you find directly to me. We can bring it up to the union if need be, but I don't want to seem like we're blowing things out of proportion. If word gets out that a bluetongue outbreak has kicked off, then good luck being able to sell these anywhere within Huaxia, let alone the world. You're lucky you sheared them before, should at least tide you over until we get a better understanding of what is going on." He explained while standing up. "Should probably call out a vet as well, but that'll take some time."
The farmer only nodded, keeping his eyes focused on his sheep before sighing to himself. "Yeah, you're right. I'd like to avoid it if at all possible, you know how they can be. Union's fine with it and encourages it and all, but they scare the animals. I'd rather them be sick, not sick and scared if I can help it. A little cold never hurt anyone." He said, his last words sarcastic as he stared at his suffering stock. "I'll give him a call if any others show up like this, might just be a fluke and a combination of many different things. This one had a tendency to catch colds when it was young, so I never paid it much mind but if it spreads to anyone else I'll know somethings up."
With a few simple goodbyes the farmer's friend returned to his truck, taking a gaze at the flock of sheep that dotted the hills on the horizon. Sheared and enjoying their newfound freedom, it was concerning to think that an outbreak might be following short behind.
19th of June, 2020; Hauxia Republic
Reports of Yellowtongue as well as the official word coming from Ardia had done little to slow the flow of commerce within the Republic, spring had ended and summer was in full swing and many farmers throughout the country were eager to sell, trade, and export their recent products. To make matters worse, the news only escalated the situation; demand for wool, dairy, and other animal products increased rapidly in the day following the announcement and potential cases within Hauxia itself. Trade unions from around the nation were desperately trying to fill their quotas as well as prepare for any potential slack in production all while becoming more and more hesitant of potentially infected foreign goods. This fear itself would only continue to grow as more animals were reported dead and the farmers' union began to levy serious concern towards Congress.
20th of June, 2020; Hauxia Republic
Effective on the 21st of June, 8:00AM HST the following changes will go into effect:
All livestock traveling to and from Huaxia will be subject to inspection by staff on site. Any livestock found to be contaminated shall be removed and transported to local veterinary hospitals. All livestock that had come into contact with infected product shall be quarantined immediately for the maximum of 7 days.
Domestic livestock bound for other domestic ports are exempt from this ruling so long as they provide proper identification.
Livestock being loaded onto rail are to have their rail cabins thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before another shipment can be made in order to prevent further contamination deeper into the country.
Contaminated cadavers are to be disposed of via burning of corpses on site.
Foreign ships entering Huaxia are to be informed at least 2 days before entering port of the change of protocol.
Susceptible species that are kept as pets are exempt from the changes above.
Congress of Trade
贸易大会
Following the news of Yellowtongue, Huaxia would like to exercise caution in foreign exports globally. While the effects at the moment are considered negligible, if unchecked livestock shipped overseas could only accelerate the potential economic and humanitarian impact. Huaxia itself is a large exporter of meat, dairy, and wool and relies on sufficient imports to keep its population fed. With a mortality rate reported by Ardia's ADC of 60-70% the possibility of a global outbreak must be avoided at all costs. The actions taken by the National Waterfront Union earlier this morning shall go into effect on the 21st of June, and while it would be unwise for Huaxia to suggest foreign policy for other nations beyond itself I can only speak for myself and my constituents from the Hauxian Farmers League in suggesting that other nations follow suite with stricter control on the export and import of livestock. As of now, I have been given permission to ship samples from Hauxian's own stock of infected animals to other agencies throughout the world that would wish to help the ADC in understanding and potentially developing a vaccine for this new virus.
Chairman of the HFL
Xian Zi
23rd June, Gowu
Leonardo Amberbrook (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg951#msg951) otherwise known as Leo was used to getting called in for veterinary consultations, in fact it was mostly what he did in the vet world these days. He ran probably the best known and most highly regarded vets practice in Achkaerin, however despite all his familiarity with getting called in for consultations, even out in the fields of Gowu like today, hadn't prepared him for anything like this a dead antelope right in the middle of the wilderness, normally he wouldn't have had much to go on except that it looked remarkably like Bluetongue in fact he would have certified that as the cause of death had he not a matter of hours earlier been reading through everything on Yellowtongue.
"Damn it." Leo said as he examined the dead antelope, the signs were there "Cause of death appears to be Yellowtongue. Is this exactly where you found it?"
"Yes sir." the local farmer said
"Ok I'll make the arrangements to dispose of the body." Leo said, he looked over the grassy plain landscape toward the south, this was not good by any stretch of the imagination.
23rd June, Marble Palace, Valtheim
Peter (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg157#msg157) had sat in many meetings of the Round Table Conference, the Achkaerinese crisis management body, but this was the first time that something like this had been the subject of discussion, they had Leo on a video channel.
"In short Your Majesty, we've got a confirmed case of Yellowtongue outside of the herd bubble." Leo said "Which is worrying because if this virus is in the wild animal population then the ability of this thing to spread is a lot greater and it becomes a lot harder to contain. If I could hand over to Tammy to explain?"
"Of course." Peter said "Doctor Axon?"
"Thank you." Doctor Tammy Axon (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1269#msg1269), the governments science advisor, said bringing up a general map of the Ardian peninsula "Between the Allied States of Ardia and Rokkenjima there are the nations of Nueva Ardia, Toshikawa and Phuebra as well as Gowu. The problem is that a significant proportion of that entire area is wide open spaces and we know that there are a lot of animal migratory patterns through there. So it becomes possible for a herd to carry the virus across distance and of course interaction with other animals means this thing can spread quite rapidly."
"And then there's the food chain issue." Leo said "I haven't come across a case of this yet it's theoretically possible that if a predator took an infected animal and ate it, then the predator could become infected."
"We have another issue as well." Lizbeth Stewart (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1258#msg1258), the home affairs minister, said "We know the first reported case was in the Allied States of Ardia, what we don't know is where ground zero is."
"The incubation period is long enough that it could be outside the Allied States." Tammy said
"Where are we on testing?" Michael Williams (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1257#msg1257) asked, as soon as news of this had been announced by the Allied States of Ardia the Achkaerinese Government had started working on aspects of it.
"We've got a plan." Tammy said "We can test using tranq darts, marking the animals and then when we get the results appropriate action can be taken. Any animals that test positive we can quarantine. Any that die we need to burn the carcasses of."
"That's all fine in a domestic sense but not to put too fine a point on it but the Ardian peninsula is a wide open space with migratory species so unless you're suggesting we actually capture each herd of wild animals which is mission impossible by the way..." Leo said
"Leo how would you do it in the wild?" Peter asked
"Well we'd have to tranq the animals, examine them and make a judgement call based on whether their showing the symptoms of Yellowtongue." Leo said "It would be far from perfect but with migrating herds we'd have to fly by the seat of our pants a bit, if I can get some help I can set something up."
"Chief Councillor?" Peter asked looking at the other screen where the Chief Councillor of Gowu Xialoing Tsu (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg686#msg686) had been listening
"Well domestically to Gowu I can implement the measures Doctor Axon outlined, on the wild animal element that's got to be a judgement call but I'll talk with Governor Saunders in Phuebra and of course Sora and the Rokkenjiman and Nueva Ardian Governments because if we've got to worry about wild herds then that's going to need a joint effort." Xiaoling said
"Other measures?" Peter asked looking around the table
"We should consider restrictions on the importing of food." Viola Summers (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg4867#msg4867), the Minister of Trade, said "We as in the northern mainland don't import meat from the Ardian Peninsula area but Gowu does import meat from Toshikawa I believe."
"Correct." Xiaoling said
"We should also start looking at vaccine development." Tammy said "I'd like to take advantage of Huaxia's offer of samples and get started."
"Agreed." Peter said "Viola what restrictions did you have in mind?"
"Any meat import from an affected country needs to be stopped." Viola said "We're lucky in that we produce a lot of meat ourselves so we don't import that much of it, but farmers may import livestock, which is why testing will be important. But we do need to restrict livestock importing as well."
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Actions in Relation to Yellowtongue
The Achkaerinese Government recognizes the current situation surrounding the Yellowtongue virus and it's rampant spread to several nations, in response to the current situation the Achkaerinese Government is implementing the following steps:
1) The importing of livestock is banned as of midnight on the 24th June 2020, this ban will be reviewed and potentially extended if necessary on 1st August 2020.
2) All domestic animals that fall within the identified at risk categories (Sheep, Cattle, Yaks, Goats, Buffalo, Deer and its sub-species, Dromedaries, and Antelopes and its subspecies) will be subject to testing by Vets. Any animals that test positive are to be isolated and quarantined for a period of 30 days. Should an infected animal die the carcass will be burned.
3) Development of a vaccine and treatment programs will be undertaken and the Achkaerinese Government would welcome the assistance of Huaxia authorities in providing samples for that purpose, we would also welcome collaboration from other nations in this effort.
4) In relation to Gowu the approach that has been agreed upon, following consultation with the Gowu authorities, sees mirroring of the content of points 1 & 2 in this press release. In addition because of the wild animal herd factor seen in the Ardian Peninsula area there will also be an adapted testing methodology put in place. We appreciate that the Ardian Peninsula is not the only space on Mundus like this and if other nations would like further information on specific steps in relation to this point then we advise they contact the Gowu Authorities.
Hannah Cartwright
Royal Press Secretary
"Yes, Mr. Hatsek, I get what you're saying, but I don't quite see what the big deal is." Dushan (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1720.msg15315#msg15315)held the phone to his ear as he prepared breakfast in his flat. He was starting to get tired of fried potatoes, but needs must, as his mother always told him.
"Ondrevich, I don't think you understand," said Bartolomey (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1720.msg15316#msg15316), the other voice on the phone. He seemed to be even more peeved off than usual today. "This is rapidly turning into a pandemic. Do you really think Izhitsa can continue to ignore this much longer?"
"It's just a kind of bluetongue, right?" said Dushan, trying a somewhat charred mass of potato before grimacing. "I mean, it sucks if your cows get it, but it's not too hard to control. When was the last time we had a serious outbreak, anyway?"
"You have a lot of experience working on farms, yes?" said Bartolomey. "Have you ever heard of the Turenova breed of cattle?"
"No."
"How about the Trkhana? The Ziushaa? Or the Farova?"
"Did you just ring me up to read the encyclopedia at me?" said Dushan, searching frantically for a plate.
"The reason you haven't heard of them," said Bartolomey, "is because of the last bluetongue outbreak we had in Izhitsa. 1952. Look it up."
Dushan stood, his mouth agape and his potatoes burning.
"I take it you'll convince the Chairman to take action, then," said Bartolomey.
"Yes," said Dushan. "Just give me a few minutes." He hurriedly scooped the remains of his potatoes into a bowl.
(https://i.imgur.com/b17TRko.png)
Regarding the outbreak of "yellowtongue"
Izhitsa watches with alarm at the outbreak of what appears to be a new form of bluetongue in several disconnected countries at once. Because this indicates that transmission has already been happening for quite some time, it is imperative to take early, serious action to combat the disease.
As of 26 Jun 2020, the provisional government is taking the following actions to prevent the spread of the disease into Izhitsa.
1) The import of livestock has been banned, pending further information on the exact nature of the disease and its vectors.
2) Exports will be inspected for signs of the disease at their port of departure.
3) All farmers in both administrative zones are required inspect their livestock daily for signs of the disease and should notify local authorities immediately on discovery.
4) A task force is being assembled to guide Izhitsa's reaction to the disease as the situation develops.
Signed,
Matvey Karamovo, Chairman of Izhitska Ednota
Antek Dzhavid, High Lord of Yach
Its a well known fact on Gustavia that when the height of summer was reached the Police reached the height of their work. It was probably because the mines that made up a lot of the interior of the island took the hot summer months to carry out their maintainence work. It served a dual purpose, first it allowed the workers to be given a time off all together meaning the plant machinery used there could be better inspected and if needed repaired. It also meant that the problem of the ventilation in the tropical heatwave wouldn't be needed and running the system was expensive. The problem for the towns on the coast though meant they now had a large number of men, with for what in Paracambi was a lot of money in their pocket, descend upon the towns. "Ten Marks its two guys arguing over a woman." Officer Jose Lima of the Gustavia Police said to his colleague Sergeant Peter Washington as they stepped out of the local police station and into one of the two pale blue police cars sat outside. There was no hurry in their view, it'd be two guys arguing over either a woman, a game of cards or a spilt beer.
Washington looked at his watch, 11:08 am. "Too early for women, someone will have split a drink." he countered. The drive wasn't too far and the only reason why they'd took the car rather than perhaps jogged to the scene was because they'd likely have to take someone back to the station in handcuffs. They didn't even bother with the sirens and as they approached the scene they began to instantly think perhaps neither of them would win today's bet. Outside one of the towns many dive bars a crowd had gathered but it was actually the small market opposite that was the scene of the disturbance. Washington made the decision to blast the siren for a short while as he parked up and the crowd parted a little to reveal a pen of around four or five animals, a market salesman and two brightly dressed individuals. "Oh shit" the Sergeant muttered under his breath. The two men were Zangbeto (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=902.msg14848#msg14848), religiously appointed officials who were expected to enforce Vodou rules about a whole host of things. The crowd withdrew a little more to make room as Washington and Lima approached. "Good morning" the Sergeant said merrily. "What seems to be the problem?"
"These two" the market stall holder began. "They..."
"Silence" one of the Zangbeto yelled at the trader. He reached into his brightly patterned trousers and removed a ID badge. "I am Zangbeto Rush" He showed his official I.D that granted him the right for the next 12 months to ensure the Ioa were well respected. Unlike in some parts of the Empire the Zangbeto on Gustavia were appointed directly by the Duke and did have slightly more powers than elsewhere within the Empire. It created a grey area the Police hated, while the Zangbeto couldn't actually enforce laws they could create scenes like this where it was much simpler to agree with them rather than allow what many believed were the religious police to whip the population into a frenzy. "This man. He is licenced to sell animals for sacrifice to the Ioa, but look at the garbage he is selling." Without a word and despite the protests of the trader Rush clambered over the small fence and roughly grabbed one of the small goats and brought it to the fence. He pulled open the animals mouth revealing a horribly discoloured and swollen tongue. Next he reached down and showed the Police the hoof. "This animal is diseased, it is not fit to be offered to the Ioa."
"Please get out of the pen Sir." Washington motioned politely and Rush did as instructed but not before waiting a little as though considering defying the Police officer. "There is no crime that has been committed but...."
"You enforce the laws of the Emperor" Rush yelled loud enough for the crowd to hear who mumbled that they agreed. "The Emperor is the most powerful Hougon of the Vodou faith. Do you think he would permit this? If you think for a moment you know he will not. Therefore if you do not take action then you are defying your Emperor. Is that what you want Sergeant."
Washington could sense the crowd growing restless agreeing with the Zangbeto. "I'll tell you what sir." Washington could see the market stall trader looking as though he realised at any moment this crowd may turn on him whipped up by the anger of the zealot Zangbeto. "We can take action to stop potentially unsafe foods being sold." This was a stall dealing with Vodou ritualistic objects, it was far cheaper to go and buy meat from a butcher rather than buy an animal for sacrifice and the stall owner was about to point out he wasn't selling food but Officer Lima pulled him back to prevent his protest and in that moment the trader seemed to understand what was happening. "We'll have a vet come and inspect the animals. If the vet says they're not fit for human consumption we'll seize them and then issue a summons. If the vet says they are fit for human consumption then surely the Ioa would be happy with them, or is there something else wrong." Washington was not as well read in the faith as the Zangbeto but he understood enough to know that if a human could eat the food then the Ioa would too. Washington also knew that it would take the rest of the day until a vet could get here and then tomorrow the stall owner would be somewhere else in Gustavia, and then this wouldn't be his problem.
"That is fair. Papa Legba would smile at your decision" The Zangbeto seemed to instantly be calmed, maybe because Washington had made it seem like he'd given Rush the decision on the course of action.
Washington was right, it took until 3pm for the vet to arrive and by that time the crowd had returned to their lives and only Rush remained standing a kind of lone guard over the goats to make sure that the animals were not removed or sold. The vet took one look and was immediately aware of what he was looking at, he'd been keeping up to date with the goings on across Mundus and now it seemed Gustavia had its first cases.
In Aluhampton the Emperor was not shocked when his Agricultural adviser entered his office with a stack of papers. "Your Imperial Majesty" he stood in front of the desk and bowed.
"Let me guess William" the Emperor leaned back a concerned look on his face. "Yellow-tongue?" he had been aware of the disease thanks to the global media and suspected it wouldn't be long before a case was found in the Empire. Seeing William Manningham come in was a sight he was expecting sooner rather than later.
"Yes Sir" William responded. "I have here all the reports that have come in. I can talk you through them and we can....."
"William" The Emperor stood and walked round to the adviser taking the folders from his hands and seemed to weight them on his flat palms. "The weight alone tells me that you're concerned and I trust you have a plan. Is that correct?" William nodded that he indeed had. "Then I'll support it. Do whatever needs to be done." The Emperor trusted his advisers and while he would read the folder it would take him hours if not longer. In his mind it made it far simpler to just go along with it for now, after all he was an Emperor not a farmer or vet.
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The Empire of Paracambi is sad to report four cases of Yellow-Tongue have been found on the island of Gustavia. It is well known that livestock trading between the provinces of the Empire is common and has very little if any internal checks. As a result it is highly likely that more cases shall sadly follow. The four animals have been destroyed and were discovered at a Vodou paraphanalia stall at a market. As such we are now tracing their origins. With immediate effect the following measures will be implemented across the Empire. Furthermore to help speed up the detection of the virus I am authorising all Zangbeto to carry out inspections of livestock.
1. Any livestock scheduled for transportation within the Empire must be kept in quarantine for 14 days prior to leaving their originating province.
2. Any livestock imported into the Empire from outside must be kept in quarantine for 21 days before leaving the port of entry.
3. Any animal showing symptoms of Yellow-Tongue must be destroyed immediately.
4. A compensation scheme shall be established for destroyed animals.
5. Any farmer in areas unable to employ a vet to carry out destruction of an animal may do so so long as the animal is shot. To claim compensation the farmer must present the tongue of the infected animal.
6. Anyone found breaking these orders will be liable to 2 years in prison and/or a 200,000 M ($200,000) fine.
[/quote]
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As of Sunday 28th June 2020 the government of the Allied States of Ardia have confirmed a total of 1,381 animals infected with Yellow-tongue, these are only animals confirmed as having the infection. In addition a further 1,197 tests are awaiting their results. To date 749 animals have been found dead and tested positive for the disease with a further 288 animals having been destroyed.
The ASA have immediately stopped all imports of live animals and meat products. For the next 21 days the government will also prevent any livestock being sent abroad.
We believe that this outbreak did not originate in the ASA as what we had believed to be "Patient Zero" was discovered at a farm which had imported livestock from several nations in order to diversify their stock as part of a genetic strengthening attempt. We however at this time are unable to work out which animal was the true originator of the virus and therefore can not be specific with the origin of the virus.
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As of Tuesday 14th July 2020 the government of the Allied States of Ardia have confirmed a total of 3,541 animals infected with Yellow-tongue, these are only animals confirmed as having the infection. In addition a further 2,142 tests are awaiting their results. To date 1,242 animals have been found dead and tested positive for the disease with a further 488 animals having been destroyed.
Following observations from several veterinarians who have been working in the farms a new symptom has been identified. In postmortem tests carried out on some of the dead animals swelling of the optic nerve has been discovered. Some of the behaviour of infected animals indicates that they may have problems with their vision as several have been observed colliding with other animals or their enclosure. This is a connection that is still being investigated by the nations veterinarian institutes however initial indications are that this vision impairment is a symptom of the virus.
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To: the International Community
As of the 30th of July, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment have confirmed 4021 cases of Yellowtongue within New Derusmia (many tests still in progress), with a further 1834 animals now deceased from issues relating to the virus.
Any nations who had exported sheep, cattle, yaks, goats, buffalo, deer and its sub-species, dromedaries, and antelopes and its subspecies before the Yellowtongue outbreak from New Derusmia, please take extra precautions to not worsen the infection. Furthermore, the Allied States of Ardia have released information of a vision impairment symptom that has recently arisen in Yellowtongue patients. An investigation is currently ongoing in order to determine to whether New Derusmia was the origin nation of 'Patient Zero'.