Archive photo from 2017.
Zwolle- The bluetongue virus hits hard among sheep in the Netherlands. This is evident from data from the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, which periodically shows the number of bluetongue infections per place of residence. There are a total of 4,246 cases of bluetongue in the Netherlands, 30 of which are in Zwolle. Zwolle has six sheep farmers within its municipal boundaries.
Gadflies
Bluetongue is a disease caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). Small gadflies (midges) that are infected with it transmit it to animals. Infected animals develop fever and swelling, among other things. They stop eating, lie down a lot or become lame. In severe cases the tongue turns blue. Animals can die due to contamination and complications.
Not contagious to humans
Sick animals cannot infect other animals. People cannot get bluetongue either. At the moment there is little or nothing the sheep farmers can do to save the animals.
Number of bluetongue infections in Zwolle and the region on November 3, 2023. Source: NVWA
What is bluetongue?
Bluetongue, also known as bluetongue, is a viral disease that affects ruminants, especially sheep. It is transmitted by small mosquitoes (midges) and can cause serious symptoms in sheep, such as fever, inflammation in the mouth and swelling. Infected sheep can become seriously ill and die. It also happens that sheep are suddenly found dead, without any symptoms. On the other hand, it is also possible that sheep show no symptoms at all and overcome the infection.
Which animals can get bluetongue?
All ruminants, including sheep, cattle, goats, deer, roe deer, buffalo, camels, dromedaries, llamas and alpacas, can become infected with the bluetongue virus.
Can people become infected?
No, bluetongue is not a threat to public health. People cannot become ill from this virus, as it is not a zoonotic disease (a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans).
What are the symptoms of bluetongue in sheep?
Bluetongue can cause a wide range of symptoms in sheep, including high fever, inflamed oral and nasal mucosa, swollen lips, foaming at the mouth, bleeding nose, lameness, swollen head, watery eyes, and loss of appetite, among others.
Can infected sheep infect other sheep?
No, sheep cannot infect each other directly. The virus is spread by infected midges, small mosquitoes that suck blood. The virus cannot spread from sheep to sheep.
How is bluetongue treated?
There is no specific treatment for bluetongue. Veterinarians can prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatories to relieve symptoms. Good care, such as providing shade, clean drinking water and easily digestible food, can aid recovery.
2023-11-04 06:30:42
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