- Bovine bluetongue confirmed in the north
The dangerous for animals Bluetongue disease has been confirmed in cattle in the Schleswig-Holstein districts of Steinburg, North Friesland, and Schleswig-Flensburg. This means that the northernmost federal state loses its freedom status regarding the animal disease, the Ministry of Agriculture announced. This leads to immediate consequences for livestock owners.
According to the ministry, restrictions apply when animals that can contract the disease are transported to other countries where Bluetongue disease has not yet occurred. The animals susceptible to the disease include mainly cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas, as well as other ruminants. Transport of animals to EU member states that are free from the animal disease is generally prohibited.
Vaccination provides protection
A vaccination offers effective protection against severe courses of Bluetongue disease. Although it does not prevent infection, it prevents symptoms and reduces the number of deaths, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. "The disease caused by the Bluetongue virus can cause great animal suffering," said Agriculture Secretary Anne Bennett-Sturies.
Livestock owners in Schleswig-Holstein are urged to closely monitor their herds and vaccinate them. The state government supports the operations in vaccination: the subsidy is one euro per sheep or goat and two euros per cattle, it was further stated.
No danger to humans
According to the ministry, Bluetongue disease is a disease of ruminants. Humans cannot be infected with the virus. Consumption of meat or dairy products is also safe.
The confirmation of Bluetongue disease in Schleswig-Holstein has brought about restrictions in transporting susceptible animals to EU member states that are free from this animal disease. To prevent severe courses and reduce animal deaths, livestock owners are encouraged to vaccinate their cattle, as the ministry offers a subsidy of two euros per animal for it.
