- Bluetongue now also in Thuringia
In North Thuringia, the dangerous Blue Tongue Disease has been detected in sheep. Each county of Eichsfeld and Nordhausen has been affected, with one animal each, as reported by the Ministry of Health. The two sheep are now being treated. The disease is not dangerous for humans, but it can be fatal for animals.
The ministry expects more cases to follow in Thuringia. Recently, the animal plague has also been detected in neighboring federal states. Experts believe it was only a matter of time before it reached the Free State. Almost no federal state is still free from this disease, which is transmitted by biting midges, the ministry said. Other European countries are also affected.
Minister: Weather is problematic
"The hot and humid summer is accelerating the spread of Blue Tongue Disease significantly, as it provides ideal conditions for biting midges," said Health Minister Heike Werner (Left). Animals that become ill may show severe symptoms. "Therefore, vaccination is also necessary for animal welfare reasons."
Animal owners receive financial support from the state and the animal disease fund for vaccination. The ministry also recommends the use of insect repellents. The last time Blue Tongue Disease was detected in Thuringia was in 2009.
Animal transports are now only allowed with restrictions
Due to these findings, Thuringia has lost its status as a federal state spared by the disease. This means that ruminants can only be brought to free areas under certain conditions.
This viral disease affects ruminants such as sheep or cattle. Affected animals may suffer from fever and loss of appetite. According to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, the current spread is of the serotype 3 - this was also detected in the cases in North Thuringia.
The following list includes Blue Tongue Disease as one of the diseases that may affect livestock livers. Due to the recent detection of Blue Tongue Disease in North Thuringia, animal transports are now subject to restrictions.
