– Initial identification of bluetongue virus in Saxony.
In Saxony, there has been a potential detection of the new strain of bluetongue disease. A livestock farm in the Upper Vogtland region was affected, according to the district administration. “Final confirmation by the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute is still pending.” Local veterinarians and veterinary offices in neighboring districts have been informed.
According to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, there has been an increase in cases of bluetongue disease serotype 3 in Germany since the beginning of July. The main cause is the high activity of small mosquitoes (flies) due to the weather conditions, which carry the virus. Fortunately, humans remain free from the pathogen.
The disease has also been reported in Saxony-Anhalt. Due to its geographical proximity, Saxony was no longer considered immune to bluetongue disease, despite no reported cases so far, according to the Health Ministry. The ministry said the disease mainly affects cattle and sheep, causing them great distress. Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) advised farmers earlier this month to monitor their herds closely and alert the veterinary office if they suspect the disease. Affected animals may show loss of appetite, reduced milk production and fever. The disease can be fatal for them.
According to the Plauen district administration, the potential case The current outbreak involves a large herd of cattle. Although the virus is not transmitted directly from animal to animal, suspected animals have been isolated. Laboratory results are now awaited.
Information from the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute on blue tongue disease
The Ministry of Health in Saxony-Anhalt also mentioned that bluetongue disease can cause great distress in cattle and sheep. With the potential case in Plauen, Saxony is now facing the possibility of an outbreak of the disease.
