- The number of people with bluetongue continues to rise in North Rhine-Westphalia
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the bluetongue disease continues to spread, particularly among cattle and sheep herds. So far, there is no indication of a decrease in outbreak numbers, according to the NRW Ministry of Agriculture in Düsseldorf. However, the number of animals vaccinated against the disease is increasing significantly. In severe cases, the infection can lead to the death of affected animals. The disease is not dangerous for humans. The name of the disease comes from the fact that the tongues of affected animals sometimes turn blue.
Until autumn 2023, Germany was officially free of the disease. However, after an outbreak in the Netherlands, there was a case in the Lower Rhine region in the Kreis Kleve in October 2023. Since then, all of NRW has been identified as an affected area, with a rapid increase observed from early to mid-July of this year. The State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection recently spoke of an explosive spread, with other federal states also affected.
Infection numbers continue to rise to around 1470 outbreaks
As of 8 August, a total of 1472 outbreaks have been reported, according to the ministry spokesman. Of these, 704 were in cattle herds, 737 in sheep herds, and 31 in goat herds. There are also some suspected cases in the low double-digit range. The viral disease in ruminants is transmitted by midges. The persistently warm and humid weather is ideal for these insects.
Affected animals, especially sheep, can show symptoms such as lameness, fever, disturbed general condition with reduced feed and water intake, edema and crust formation, especially in the head area.
Already over 259,600 animals vaccinated
Three vaccines are approved against the virus of serotype 3 (BTV-3). Minister of Agriculture Silke Gorißen (CDU) pointed out that the NRW Animal Disease Fund has approved subsidy payments for vaccinations for livestock owners: two euros per cattle and one euro per sheep.
According to the ministry, a total of 259,610 animals have already been vaccinated - including 185,257 cattle, 72,589 sheep, and 1,764 goats. These are usually animals in agricultural operations, but also include holdings for hobby purposes or zoo animals.
Suspected cases of bluetongue disease must be reported. A blood analysis can determine whether it is actually BTV-3 or another disease. If bluetongue disease is confirmed, the precautionary quarantine of the affected operation is lifted. However, if the test result shows that it is a disease that can be transmitted from animal to animal within the herd, the quarantine remains in place. Since bluetongue disease is exclusively transmitted by flying midges, a quarantine in this case would not make sense.
The following measures have been implemented to combat the spread of bluetongue disease: The following shall be added to the existing measures - subsidy payments for livestock owners to cover the cost of vaccinating their animals against the disease.
Despite the increasing number of vaccinated animals, the bluetongue disease continues to pose a significant threat to livestock in North Rhine-Westphalia, making it crucial for affected herds to report any suspected cases for thorough investigation and appropriate action.
