- Multiple instances of bluetongue, surpassing 1,000, have been documented across the country.
The highly contagious Bluetongue disease (BTV-3) is spreading rapidly across Germany, as per the Lower Saxony Ministry of Agriculture. The inaugural case in Lower Saxony was identified in the Ammerland district on October 25, 2023, with a total of 1,005 cases reported in the Lower Saxony Animal Disease Information System as of August 16. The disease has now reached every part of Germany. North Rhine-Westphalia is the most affected federal state with 2,005 instances since 2023, closely followed by Lower Saxony with 905 cases.
In severe instances, the infection can result in the demise of affected animals. However, the virus poses no threat to human health. As per official announcements, handling animals, consuming meat or dairy products, or milk is not a concern. Alpacas, llamas, deer, and roe deer can also contract the disease.
Given the intense and evolving infection rate, Miriam Staudte, Lower Saxony's Minister of Agriculture, urged animal owners to get their animals vaccinated, stating to dpa, "Vaccination offers excellent protection against illness and spares the animals unnecessary suffering. The relatively modest cost of vaccination pales in comparison to the financial losses that an outbreak would incur."
Warm, humid weather facilitates spread
Bluetongue disease is transmitted by a specific type of blood-sucking midge, often referred to as a gnat. The recent warm, humid weather has led to increased activity among these insects. "The disease will persist as long as the weather remains warm," warns Wendelin Schmucker, chairman of the German Sheep Breeding Association.
Schmucker criticizes that the Animal Disease Fund only provides a subsidy of three euros per vaccination. If a veterinarian charges eleven euros for vaccination, that would amount to 11,000 euros at once for 1,000 sheep. Additionally, the Animal Disease Fund intends to increase contributions for holders in the future.
Schmucker fears that Bluetongue disease could lead to operational closures. This epidemic affects pasture animal keepers who are also grappling with losses due to the spread of wolves. It is also emotionally taxing to witness one's own animals suffer.
Symptoms include mucous membrane inflammation and peeling in cattle. In sheep, fever, lethargy, and separation from the herd are added. Swelling of the mouth mucous membranes and foam formation in front of the mouth can occur.
The tongue and neck can swell, and the tongue may protrude from the mouth. The name of the disease comes from the fact that the tongues of infected animals sometimes turn blue. The Animal Disease Control of the State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety also offers information about the disease on the internet.
According to a Ministry of Agriculture spokesperson, the northwest of Lower Saxony is particularly affected. The current outbreak originated in the Netherlands.
No cases were reported in Lower Saxony for years. An outbreak occurred from 2006 to 2009. In 2007, a peak of 1,240 instances nationwide was impacted in October, and now, in the first half of August alone, 675 instances in Lower Saxony are affected.
Nationwide, 3,279 instances have already reported Bluetongue disease cases since autumn 2023.
To mitigate the spread of Bluetongue disease, animal owners should prioritize getting their animals vaccinated, as stated by Miriam Staudte, Lower Saxony's Minister of Agriculture. Health and safety measures also include monitoring the weather patterns, as warm, humid weather can facilitate the activity of the disease-carrying midges.
