The bluetongue virus (BTV) has been detected in two hobby sheep farms in the Limburg-Weilburg district. This means that the viral disease, which is transmitted by midges (small, blood-sucking mosquitoes), has now reached our district.
Mostly acute disease
Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, New World camelids and wild ruminants) are the animal species most susceptible to the disease, which usually has an acute course. The animals can develop high fever and sometimes show other non-specific symptoms of illness, including death. High animal losses or even long-term disease courses can be the result of a BTV infection.
The disease is not dangerous for humans; meat and dairy products from susceptible animals can be consumed without concern.
Virus group consists of many different virus subtypes
The virus group responsible for bluetongue consists of many different virus subtypes. While in the past serotypes 4 and 8 caused infections in Germany, since autumn 2023 serotype 3 has been the cause of the rampant epidemic.
Unlike other animal diseases, the infection is transmitted exclusively via midges. If such a mosquito sucks blood from an infected animal, the midge can transmit the infection to the next animal it bites. The mosquitoes can be carried long distances by the wind and can therefore spread infected blood widely.
Report to the veterinary office
Suspicion of BTV infection must be reported to the veterinary office; sick or conspicuous animals should be examined and treated by practicing colleagues.
According to the Animal Health Act, every animal owner is obliged to take all measures to contain the infection and prevent the animal disease from spreading. Therefore, protecting susceptible animals from these insects is the first and most important measure in your own livestock. Immediate protection can be achieved by using insect repellents, known as insect repellent, which are applied to the skin of the animals. For long-term protection of the livestock, vaccinations of susceptible animals are highly recommended. The vaccinations are subsidized by the animal disease fund.
Those interested can find further current information on bluetongue disease on the following websites:
Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI):
Hessian Ministry of Agriculture (HMLU):
Hessian State Laboratory (LHL):
Hessian Animal Disease Fund (HTSK):
If you have any questions, pet owners are welcome to contact the Veterinary Office (Veterinary and Consumer Protection Department) directly by phone or email (Tel: 06431-296 5869, Mail: poststelle.avv(at)limburg-weilburg.de)
