Tierseuche - Blue tongue disease in sheep and cattle confirmed
At least seven sheep and one cattle in Rhinland-Pfalz are infected with Blue tongue disease. Five affected farms are located in the districts of Ahrweiler, Bitburg-Prüm, Neuwied and Vulkaneifel, according to the State Veterinary Office. It is to be expected that there will be further spread of the disease. As the moist warm weather favors the development of midges - these are blood-sucking mosquitoes that transmit the disease.
"There is no infection risk for humans. Milk and meat from infected animals can be consumed without concern", wrote the Office. Symptoms in affected animals include fever, apathy, loss of appetite and swelling of the head, tongue and lips.
The currently prevalent type of the disease shows mild symptoms in goats and cattle, it was stated. However, in sheep, there are often severe courses that can be fatal. "The only effective protection against a severe course of the disease is vaccination", wrote the State Veterinary Office.
In Rhineland-Palatinate, the districts of Neuwied and Bitburg-Prüm are among those affected by the spread of Blue tongue disease in sheep and cattle. The State Veterinary Office in Koblenz reported mild symptoms in goats and cattle, but severe cases leading to fatalities in sheep. They stressed that there is no risk of infection for humans and milk and meat from infected animals are safe for consumption.
