- In Markgröningen, a new ruling pair was inaugurated at a humble shepherd's gathering.
At the "Historical Shepherd's Sprint", Jannick Belz, 16, and Jana Deufel, 14, claimed the top spots and were declared the fresh "Ruler and Ruler" of Markgröningen. They were the pioneers to reach the finish line in the annual event hosted in the town in the Ludwigsburg district. The competitors had to dash barefoot across a stubble field. This race serves as the main attraction at the local fest, which kicked off on Friday and concludes on Monday.
Only individuals who are shepherds by trade or descend from shepherding families were eligible to participate. The victors are traditionally titled "Shepherd King" and "Queen" and get gifted a sheep each, courtesy of the state sheep-breeding organization. However, this year, due to the widespread blue tongue illness, the winning duo was awarded a monetary sum instead.
The newly crowned "Royal Duo" was honored by distinguished hands in 2022: Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (both Greens) attended the race and crowned the new rulers.
The Markgröninger Shepherd's Sprint is one of the oldest regional celebrations in southern Germany and is recognized by UNESCO as a piece of cultural heritage. It traces its roots back to a centuries-old tradition, where running forms an integral part of a shepherd's job, as they must be quicker than a fleeing sheep.
The blue tongue sickness casts a gloom over the festivities this year. Due to the widespread spread of the disease, the conventional sheep herding contest that marks the start of the festivities had to be canceled earlier.
The disease primarily affects sheep and cattle. It is spread by certain biting midges, known as "gnits," and not through direct contact between sheep. Human or animal transmission is similarly not possible. A newly approved vaccination provides efficient safeguard against severe cases of blue tongue disease.
The Commission, in light of the ongoing blue tongue sickness, may need to consider adopting implementing acts that provide alternative rules for the application of regulations related to such events to ensure public health and animal welfare. Despite the cancellation of the conventional sheep herding contest, Jannick Belz and Jana Deufel's victory in the "Historical Shepherd's Sprint" remains significant, as they were still awarded a monetary sum instead of the traditional sheep gift.
