Bluetongue, a viral infection that primarily affects ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats, has seen a worrying increase in cases this year. The disease’s rapid spread across Europe has ignited concerns among farmers, veterinarians, and health authorities alike.
What is happening across Europe?
Germany has seen a dramatic increase in bluetongue (BTV-3) cases, with 1,885 recorded since the start of the year compared to just 23 confirmed cases in 2023.
The Netherlands is also seeing a rapid rise in cases, reporting 2,909 infected sites, a surge of 650 in just one week. In 2023, it was reported that the mortality rate in sheep rose to above 75%.
Also falling victim to the disease, Belgium has also recorded 515 cases in recent months.
Across the rest of Europe, the situation is causing wider concern as France, Luxembourg, and Denmark recently confirmed their first cases, as reported by the World Animal Health Organisation.
Adding to the concern, a separate outbreak of the BTV-8 strain has been detected in southern France and northeastern Spain.
What is being done?
The resurgence of bluetongue across Europe has become a pressing concern for farmers and health authorities alike. In the UK, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have stressed the need for extreme vigilance.
In response to this escalating crisis, health authorities across Europe have mobilised to contain the outbreak. Intensive surveillance efforts are underway to track the disease’s progression and identify new hotspots. Measures such as movement restrictions for livestock and public awareness campaigns have been implemented to prevent further spread. Research into the virus and the development of more effective prevention and control strategies are also high on the agenda.
The Dutch and Belgians gave emergency approval to a BTV-3 vaccine from Spanish pharmaceutical company Syva earlier in the year and France has significantly expanded its free vaccination program for farmers in response to the growing bluetongue outbreak. The number of available doses has been boosted from 4.6 million to 6.4 million, with a specific allocation of 1.1 million doses for sheep and 5.3 million for cattle.
The UK government is working with pharmaceutical companies to develop an authorised vaccine but Defra say that it will not be ready this year. There is however, free bluetongue testing available in five counties, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex where there were outbreaks earlier in the year.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms include fever, mouth and nose ulcers, excessive salivation, and nasal discharge. Sheep often exhibit more severe signs, such as swelling of the head and neck, lameness, and difficulty breathing. Cattle, while typically showing milder symptoms, can experience reduced milk production and reproductive issues. In severe cases, affected animals may become depressed, lose weight, and even succumb to the disease. It’s important to note that not all infected animals will display symptoms, which makes early detection challenging.
How can Livetec help?
As with all animal diseases good biosecurity practices, a knowledge of the symptoms and extreme vigilance are essential to protect your animals.
Livetec have been providing on-site biosecurity to farmers for over a decade. Our Biosecurity Advisory Service provides you with everything you need to put protocols in place to protect your animals.
Find out more and contact the Livetec team here