– Numerous establishments affected by bluetongue disease
In just ten months, the bluetongue disease agent has spread across Germany. Several cases have been reported in Saarland, with six animal farms or stops affected by Friday afternoon. After Saxony, which was added on Friday, Berlin remains the only region where animals are not yet affected by this disease, according to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI).
The bluetongue virus is mainly transmitted by certain species of mosquitoes. Animals such as Bovine and sheep, as well as South American camel species, goats and wild boars are among its most common targets. Fortunately, the virus does not pose a threat to human health. Eating meat and dairy products from susceptible animals is safe.
In Saarland, outbreaks were reported in August, namely on a cattle farm in Lebach and on two sheep farms in Losheim and Weiskirchen. The Ministry of Agriculture officially recognized the outbreak on Monday, which led to certain restrictions, such as the transport of animals. The state also supports animal vaccination. Against this backdrop, Saarland had maintained its virus-free status since 2020. According to data, Germany has been battling a viral wave in recent weeks: 13 cases were reported nationwide in June, the number rose to over 1,200 in July, and more than 4,800 infections were reported by August 23.
The FLI attributes the epidemic to the BTV-3 serotype of the pathogen. More cases and affected farms are expected for the rest of the year, as the Federal Office for Animal Diseases predicted. It added: “Without a doubt, BTV-3 will keep us busy in the coming year.”
Bis Mai housed Germany approximately 10.6 million cattle, with around 3.7 million being dairy cows. According to the German Farmers’ Association, more than 75 percent of cattle are found in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein.
The variant made its first appearance in the Netherlands in September 2023 and quickly spread. The first case in Germany was identified in October 2023 at a sheep farm in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Affected animals may show symptoms such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, swelling of the head, tongue and lips, and redness and swelling of the mucous membranes. In severe cases, death may also occur.
To prevent the further spread of the disease, strict veterinary measures are being taken in the affected regions, focusing particularly on the agricultural sector. The German government is working closely with farmers to implement vaccination programs for livestock, especially cattle and sheep, which are frequent targets of bluetongue virus in agriculture.
