Appearing in France in the fall of 2023, the epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus is not weakening. It would even tend to increase. This non-contagious disease, which only affects certain animals, especially cattle, is not transmitted to humans, but causes damage in stables, mainly in the South-West.
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On Thursday, August 1, in its monthly bulletin, the Ministry of Agriculture recorded 4,350 outbreaks, spread across 20 departments, the highest number since autumn 2023. This virus, of which eight different variants (serotypes) have been identified, is transmitted by bites from a midge of the genus CulicoidesIt survives in warm regions, especially in France due to global warming.
In livestock, the disease manifests itself by difficulties in moving or feeding due to ulcers forming in the animals’ mouths. Above all, the rate of stillborn calves had increased considerably in the winter of 2023. “It’s very, very worrying.says Jérôme Bayle, breeder in Carbonne (Haute-Garonne). There are new cases in the department this summer, in the same place as last year.
An envelope of 50 million euros
With his friends from this region of the Pyrenean foothills, they had been, at the end of January, the instigators of the movements of the agricultural world and the numerous motorway blockades set up throughout the country. One of their main demands was the reimbursement of the costs incurred by the MHE.
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In April, the government announced the release of an envelope of 50 million euros, intended to reimburse 90% of veterinary costs as well as losses due to dead animals.
For the Haute-Garonne department alone, this aid amounted to 8.5 million euros for around 450 affected breeders, while the detection of MHE outbreaks leads to specific control and prevention measures within a radius of 150 kilometres and export markets must be interrupted.
In the Tarn, “We are on maximum alert”says Christophe Rieunau, vice-president of the chamber of agriculture. “There are new cases and what worries us is how early they are. Here, many breeders have slaughtered animals to bring in money. If the disease starts again, we fear the worst.”adds Mr. Rieunau.
No effective vaccine
There is also concern in Ariège, where in March, 750 farmers were affected and 275 infected households. According to Philippe Lacube, the president of the chamber of agriculture, “The first three cases were detected at the end of July. We fear that the markets for calves will close again in the fall.” Especially since, at the same time, bluetongue (BTV) has also appeared in flocks of sheep, more than 130 in Ariège. Transmitted by the same midge, it can however be combated by a vaccine, currently available. In the case of MHE, no vaccine is currently effective in France.
