- Shepherds' Run is modifying its operations in response to bluetongue.
Due to the spread of the bluetongue virus, organizers have cancelled the sheep herding demonstration at the annual shepherd's festival in Markgröningen. This includes the city shepherd's flock being affected by the illness, as announced by the city. The state sheep breeding association, as organizers, made this decision in conjunction with the Baden-Württemberg sheep health service and operations. The rest of the Markgröningen shepherd's festival program will proceed as planned.
The bluetongue virus primarily targets sheep and cattle. Spread happens through certain biting insects, known as midges or gnats, unlike direct transmission between sheep. Human or animal transmission is not possible. A recently approved vaccine offers significant protection against severe instances of the bluetongue virus.
"We're witnessing an exponential rise in affected animals in Baden-Württemberg," said Anette Wohlfarth, the managing director of the state sheep breeding association. The industry is greatly affected, with many reaching their limits, and it's existence-threatening for some.
Shepherd's festival is a cultural treasure
The sheep herding event in Markgröningen typically marks the beginning of the festival days around the traditional shepherd's festival, which is recognized as UNESCO cultural heritage. Six shepherds, along with their herding dogs, guide a foreign herd through an obstacle course. The shepherd whose sheep obey best and reach the finish line first wins a cash prize.
The multi-day festivities in Markgröningen continue until Monday, with the shepherd's festival highlighting on Saturday. Participants will race barefoot on a roughly 300-meter stubble field. This year, Baden-Württemberg Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (both Greens) have confirmed their attendance as spectators (from 13:15).
The first recorded mention of the festival dates back to the year 1445. Monday sees the festival closing with a vibrant market, a shepherd's festival party, and fireworks.
The bluetongue disease has negatively impacted the city shepherd's flock, causing the cancellation of the sheep herding demonstration at the shepherd's festival in Markgröningen. Despite the cancellation, the vaccine offers significant protection against severe instances of the bluetongue virus, which primarily targets sheep and cattle.
