- Numerous livestock farmers in Hesse encountering issues due to bluetongue
In less than a year, the Blue Tongue Disease virus has swept across Germany. Multiple instances have surfaced in Hesse, affecting over 260 farms or livestock holdings as of late Friday afternoon. After Saxony joined the list on Friday, Berlin remains the sole federal state without any recorded cases in livestock, as per the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI).
This animal sickness has an impact on the traditional Sheep Festival this weekend in the central Hessian town of Hungen, district of Giessen. Owing to the current circumstance, no sheep will participate in the parade on Sunday, and events such as the State Performance Sheepdog Trial or sheepdog demonstrations will be cancelled, as indicated by the city.
Over the past few weeks, Germany has seen a wave of virus outbreaks, as indicated by FLI data: While only 13 cases were reported nationwide in June, there were over 1,200 in July. By August 23, over 4,800 infections had been reported.
The virus is not contagious to humans. Food products from animals vulnerable to Blue Tongue Disease can be consumed without worry.
According to FLI, the reason behind the epidemic is the BTV-3 serotype of the virus. The institute anticipates more cases and affected operations throughout the year, stating, "BTV-3 will continue to pose a challenge in the coming year."
As of May, there are approximately 10.6 million cattle in Germany. Five states - Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein - account for over 75% of these cattle.
The variant was initially identified in the Netherlands in September 2023 and spread rapidly. The first case in Germany was confirmed in October 2023, in a livestock holding in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Bluetongue virus is spread through certain types of midges. Primarily, sheep and cattle are infected, but South American camel species, goats, and wild boar are also susceptible.
The Blue Tongue Disease outbreak has significantly affected Hessen, with over 260 farms or livestock holdings in the state being impacted. Due to this situation, the traditional Sheep Festival in Hungen, Hessen, has had to cancel events such as the State Performance Sheepdog Trial and sheepdog demonstrations.
