- Ozdemir urges for vaccination against bluetongue disease
Environmental Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) expressed worry about the spread of the bluetongue illness in Germany. The illness has now popped up everywhere except Berlin. "Swift action is required," stated Özdemir during a break at an event in Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg.
He expressed disappointment over the lack of an authorized vaccine on a European scale and had therefore advocated for an emergency authorization on a domestic level, mentioned Özdemir. He urged farmers to immunize their animals against the animal illness. "We have the vaccine now. But we also need to vaccinate to keep this under control," said Özdemir.
Within just ten months, the bluetongue illness-causing organism has spread across Germany. After Saxony joined the list on Friday, Berlin, the only federal state still untouched, reported no cases, as per the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI).
Viral surge swept across Germany
Recent weeks have seen a true viral surge in Germany, according to the data: While the FLI documented 13 infected livestock farms nationwide in June, there were already over 1,200 by July. And by August 23 alone, more than 4,800 infected farms had been reported.
The bluetongue virus is spread by certain species of midges. Primarily, sheep and cattle are affected, but South American camelids, goats, and wild boars are also susceptible. Fortunately, humans are not at risk of contracting the pathogen. Meat and dairy products from animals vulnerable to bluetongue can be consumed without concern.
The bluetongue illness, causing concern for Environmental Minister Cem Özdemir, has led to a significant viral surge across Germany. In an attempt to combat this animal illness, Özdemir urged farmers to vaccinate their livestock.
