The Prefect of Tarn-et-Garonne was able to discuss the difficulties encountered with farmers.
While cattle and sheep breeders throughout France are affected by two diseases affecting only animals, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Bluetongue (BFT), Vincent Roberti, Prefect of Tarn-et -Garonne, went to the farm of Mr. Gilles Vidal, in #caylus, cattle breeder.
The Prefect, alongside Mr. Jean-Philippe Viguié, president of the MSA, and accompanied by the DDETSPP services in charge of animal health, was thus able to discuss the difficulties encountered, and deliver the necessary recommendations to protect ourselves from these diseases.
The State is mobilized to protect French livestock and slow the progression of the disease, and has launched, in consultation with the sectors, a vaccination campaign for affected breeders.
MHE is an infectious disease of animals (cattle, sheep) caused by a virus which is transmitted exclusively by midges, the same as those of FCO. There is currently no specific treatment for these pathologies, but they are not transmissible to humans.
What are the clinical signs of MHE?
The clinical signs of MHE are very similar to those of bluetongue and appear mainly in cattle and deer. The disease results in fever, ulcerations of the muzzle, discharge (runny nose) and lameness. Sheep, goats and camels are receptive to the virus (i.e. they can become infected) but do not show clinical signs (i.e. they are not sick).
How did the disease arrive in France?
The disease is present in North America, Australia, Asia, Africa, particularly in the Maghreb and the Middle East. It first appeared in continental Europe at the end of October 2022, probably following the dispersal of midges by wind from Tunisia. Since this date, it has also been present in Italy (Sardinia and Sicily), Spain and Portugal. The disease probably arrived in the South-West of France from Spain.
What are the regulations regarding this disease?
Under European regulations, MHE is classified into categories D and E: there are therefore trade measures for the movement of animals between the member states of the European Union and a compulsory declaration of outbreaks by France to the European Commission. Breeders must report suspicions and cases to their health veterinarian. Until September 20, 2023, France was free from MHE, the detection of the virus on the territory thus led the French authorities to make an immediate notification to the World Organization for Animal Health (WHOA) and the animal health services. European Commission.
What are the consequences if an outbreak is detected?
The detection of MHE on the national territory leads to restrictions on movements with a ban on the movement of animals to another Member State of the European Union, for all farms located within a radius of 150 km around an outbreak. Certain destinations to third countries are also subject to restrictions.
Is there a vaccine?
An effective vaccine against MHE obtained temporary authorization for use (ATU) for France on August 6, 2024.
How are households counted?
MHE is a so-called vector-borne viral disease. The vector (a stinging insect), carrying the virus, is active from spring to late autumn. Outside of this period, we speak of a “period of vector inactivity”: because of the drop in temperatures, either the stinging insect is absent, or its life cycle is too short for it to have time to transmit the virus. When temperatures become favorable again for the biting insect (and for the transmission of the virus) we speak of a resumption of vector activity. For the MHE epizootic, we can therefore count the outbreaks:
– since its emergence, all periods combined, or even over several years; MHE emerged in France in September 2023 and between this emergence and August 2024, several thousand outbreaks were identified;
– since the resumption of vector activity, which is characterized by an increase in outbreaks after a stable period of several months.
Based on the observation of the evolution of vector-borne disease outbreaks, it was estimated that vector activity, for 2024, resumed on June 1. It is this figure that is proposed on this page (see above).
