Bluetongue disease - A virus returns

In Baden-Württemberg and Hesse the Bluetongue disease is rampant. Farmers with sheep, goats and cattle must fear infections of their animals. Within a radius of 150 kilometers of the affected cattle shed, a restricted area has been established for at least two years, with restrictions on the trade in animals.

Hessen and Baden Würtemberg affected

On the mountain road, Darmstadt-Dieburg and in the city of Darmstadt, the attitude of ruminants is now under the supervision of the competent veterinary authority. The trade of keepers with cattle, pigs and goats is controlled.

The bluetongue can be dangerous especially for sheep. At present, only cattle are affected in Germany. (Image: cmnaumann / fotolia.com)

In Hesse 2200 holders are in the restricted area

The livestock may now only be kept under certain conditions so that the disease does not spread. Information is provided by the veterinary authorities in the affected areas. Affected are, among others, about 2200 keepers in Hesse.

For sheep dangerous, not for humans

Contagious, the disease affects all ruminants - that is on sheep, goats, cattle and buffalo. People are not at risk.

People can also eat the meat without becoming infected

Humans can eat the meat without any problems, but in the case of epidemics, all animals that have been affected by the disease are killed and their meat is not allowed to be traded.

Sheep can die

The type of virus that has occurred in Baden-Würtemberg has no serious consequences for cattle. In sheep, however, it sometimes leads to deaths.

Mosquitoes transmit the virus

The Viurs is not transferred directly from ungulate to ungulate. Mosquitoes spread it when they sting a sick animal and then another.

Vaccinate - as fast as possible

It is important now to vaccinate the cattle, sheep and goats in Baden Wuerttemberg and Hesse - at least in the affected areas. So they are safe from the virus. In addition, only vaccinated animals may be sold out of the restricted area.

The return of the virus

In 2009, the bluetongue disease occurred for the last time in Germany. For nine years, the virus had disappeared, until its present return. However, it was foreseeable that cases would occur in Germany because animals in the neighboring countries Switzerland and France became ill in the current year - and the transmitter, the mosquito, is mobile. (Dr. Utz Anhalt)