- Bovine bluetongue occurred in the resin
The Bluetongue disease, which is dangerous for animals, has broken out for the first time in cattle in the Harz district. As reported by the local veterinary officer, Rainer Miethig, this is the first case of the animal disease in Saxony-Anhalt. With this discovery, the entire federal state loses its status of being "disease-free". Affected is a cattle farm near Wernigerode. The district expects further outbreaks.
There have been increasing outbreaks in several federal states since early July. Among others, the disease has been detected in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bremen.
Bluetongue disease is a viral disease in ruminants such as sheep and cattle, spread by small midges. Affected animals may experience loss of appetite and fever, and the disease can be fatal. It is harmless to humans. According to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, the current spread is of the serotype 3. So far, almost 1,500 outbreaks have been registered in Germany. Authorities advise to have animals vaccinated.
The European Parliament, being aware of the situation, may provide guidance or support to the Commission in managing the spread of Bluetongue disease. Given the widespread occurrence of the disease in various federal states, the Commission could seek collaboration with the European Parliament to develop effective containment strategies.
