“Blue malaria” is affecting Switzerland

The Bluetongue disease is also spreading more and more in the canton of Zurich, writes the “Tagesanzeiger” in a report. As of last Wednesday (October 16), cases were reported in 135 Zurich companies. Animals have already died on 26 farms.

Jutta Lang, spokesperson for the Zurich Veterinary Office, told the “Tagesanzeiger” that they were a loss of between one and eight animals per farm. Five to eight new businesses are reported to the Zurich veterinary office every day. So far the new serotype 3 of the bluetongue disease has not affected the canton of Zurich, it is said. What is the current situation in Switzerland?

Serotype 3 dominates

Bluetongue is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes and mainly affects newborns. The pathogen is not dangerous for humans, even when they eat meat and dairy products. Direct transmission from animal to animal does not occur either, wrote the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV).

There are two types of bluetongue virus currently circulating: serotype 3 (BTV-3) and serotype 8 (BTV-8). Serotype 8 is not an unknown virus. An infection with serotype 8 was recorded for the first time in Switzerland in October 2007. A comprehensive vaccination program was also started at that time.

In 2008 even vaccination was compulsory. The disease was contained. Serotype 8 (BTV-8) was then confirmed again for the first time in 2020. Since 2023, serotype 3 has also been rampant, spreading rapidly and tending to cause more severe symptoms than the previously known serotype 8.

Since 2011, it has no longer been compulsory in Switzerland to vaccinate animals against bluetongue. Vaccination against BTV-8 and against BTV-3 is voluntary. However, vaccination is recommended (see below). Bluetongue is a known animal disease.

Currently 1,406 companies are affected

In Switzerland (as of October 21, 2024), 1,406 livestock farms are currently affected by bluetongue. 174 companies with BTV-8 and 1,232 companies with BTV-3. The number of cases has increased significantly since September 13. Since October 11, things have dropped a bit but are still rising. On September 13, only 152 companies were affected (BTV-8: 12 / BTV-3: 140). On October 11, a little less than a month later, there were already 1,308 companies (BTV-8: 168 / BTV-3: 1,140).

Big differences between the cantons

Regarding the animal husbandry of each canton, the differences in serotype 3 are very large (as of October 21, 2024). Most cases of bluetongue (serotype 3) were recorded in the canton of Jura (84 sheep, 138 cattle, 1 goat). Also badly affected are the cantons of Thurgau (102 sheep, 68 cows), Aargau (111 sheep, 52 cows), Zurich (69 sheep, 51 cows, 2 goats), Bern (48 sheep, 75 cows, 1 other) and Basel -Scaft (69 sheep, 42 cows, 1 goat).

Vaccination is recommended

To combat the viral disease, the BLV, in collaboration with Swissmedic, a A general order has been issued authorizing the use of vaccines against BTV-3. Swissmedic is Switzerland’s licensing and regulatory authority for medicines and medical devices.

The vaccines against serotype 3 can reduce the course of the disease and reduce mortality, but they do not offer complete protection against the disease, writes the BLV. The Swiss veterinary service recommends vaccination between January and March 2025.

There has been one since September 2, 2024 Order of measures to prevent further spread of the blue language.

What can pet owners do?

Bluetongue is spread by an insect. Midges, also known as bearded midges, are very small mosquitoes. They are only about 1 to 4 mm in size and are found all over the world. The midge is best known for its blood-sucking females, which also feed on the blood of mammals.

It is almost impossible to protect animals completely from these mosquitoes. However, there are some measures that can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area and therefore reduce the risk of animals becoming infected. The BLV recommends the following measures:

• Install mosquito nets and physical barriers
• Use chemical repellents on animals
• Keeping animals in stables during the evening
• Remove standing water as this is a good breeding ground for mosquitoes
• Remove trash and compost at least once a week

-> You can find more information about the blue language on the BLV website.