Animal disease - Blue-tongue virus outbreak in the Landkreis Kassel
The Bluetongue virus has reached the Landkreis Kassel. A spokesperson for the district announced this on Monday. The virus of serotype 3 (BTV-3) was reportedly found in a cow in the northern part of the district at the border with North Rhine-Westphalia.
Blue tongue disease reached Hessen at the beginning of July. At that time, the virus was discovered in a cow in Alsfeld (Vogelsbergkreis). According to the statement, this is the first case in a dairy herd in Hessen. Blue tongue disease affects ruminants – besides cattle, it also affects sheep and goats.
Nothing changes for farmers
For farmers in the Landkreis Kassel, nothing changes due to the outbreak, it was stated. The freedom status of the state of Hessen in relation to the Bluetongue disease has already been lost due to the discovery in the Vogelsbergkreis and has led to restrictions on the movement of ruminants, explained district deputy Thomas Ackermann in the statement.
Since then, no animals from Hessen may be transported to disease-free regions within the EU, including neighboring federal states without Bluetongue cases.
The virus is not transmissible to humans
Ruminants can be vaccinated against Bluetongue disease. It is a disease caused by a virus. The virus is not transmissible from animal to animal, but is transmitted by small blood-sucking midges.
The agent is not transmissible to humans. Meat and milk, as well as products derived from them, can be consumed without concern according to the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, adjacent to the affected area, farmers are also taking precautions. The presence of the Bluetongue virus has been detected in milk samples from Tiersuchunde facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia, as reported by a local newspaper.
Despite the outbreak in Kassel, milk production continues in North Hessia with rigorous health measures in place. The milk, as well as its products, are still safe for consumption, according to the Hessian Milk Association.
The discovery of the virus in Alsfeld, part of the Vogelsberg district, has significantly impacted the agriculture sector in the region of Hesse. The region previously held a high rank for its dairy production, but now it faces potential market restrictions.
