Lüchow – Bluetongue disease, which is dangerous for sheep and cattle, has reached Bremen. Two sheep have been infected with the type 3 disease, the health department announced. The animals have fever and swollen mucous membranes in the head area. This is the first known case in Bremen. The authorities assume that the disease will continue to spread.
No danger to humans
The disease is harmless to humans; it is also possible to eat animal products without any concerns. The first case was confirmed in the Netherlands in September 2023, and since then the disease has continued to spread in Belgium, Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Bluetongue is transmitted by blood-sucking mosquitoes, so-called biting midges. Sheep are particularly badly affected, and ten percent of infected animals die. Although there is currently no officially approved vaccine, the use of vaccines is permitted under certain conditions. The animal disease fund subsidizes the vaccination.
Disease is notifiable
Trade in animals that can become infected is only possible under strict conditions. The animals at risk include sheep, cattle, goats and other ruminants such as alpacas and llamas.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Symptoms include fever, isolation from the herd, swelling of the mucous membranes in the mouth and the tongue hanging out of the mouth. There is also increased salivation and foaming in front of the mouth.
