Virus kills 255 cattle in Rheiderland

Doctors warn about the dangers of BHV1

In Rheiderland, a virus called BHV1 has appeared in various farms. So far, an outbreak has been confirmed on a total of two farms. Already in October, the virus on one of the farms had led to a total of 255 cattle had to be killed.

The Rheiderland is an area in northern Germany and the neighboring Netherlands. The German part is located in Ostfriesland. Physicians were able to confirm the outbreak of the virus BHV1 on two farms. All affected cattle were either euthanized (114 animals) or slaughtered (141 animals) as soon as possible after compliance with legal requirements and with the consent of the Ministry. However, there were some animals that had already died before the experts could euthanize them. Fortunately, the virus is harmless to humans.

In Ostfriesland cases of the so-called BHV1 virus were detected in two farms. The affected cattle were euthanized or slaughtered for safety reasons. (Image: dietwalther / fotolia.com)

Source of viral disease still unknown

There were also some animals that were not affected by the virus. These were kept in another stable, which was some distance from the farms. The affected farm remained closed until the pathogen could no longer be detected. In addition, a cleaning and disinfection was carried out by a specialist company. Despite intensive epidemiological research, the source of the virus remains unknown.

Virus harmless to humans

Another farm in Rheiderland also sampled to detect possible infections with the virus. However, the results of these investigations are still pending, explains the spokesman for the district of Leer Dieter Backer to the press. The disease can be transmitted only among animals, for humans there is no danger, because the virus is harmless for them, say the experts.

What is BHV1??

BHV1 is the abbreviation for bovine (herpes-specific) herpes virus 1. Already since 1997, this epizootic disease is a notifiable disease according to the epizootic disease law. The disease can take different forms as it progresses. Some cattle also show no signs of the disease, in these the infection can only be determined by legally prescribed examinations. There are also cases in which affected cattle suffer from fever and severe inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Some animals also have so-called calvings, explains an official veterinarian.

Infected animals carry the virus for a lifetime

Since BHV1 is a herpes virus, an infected animal will carry the virus for a lifetime. In certain stressful situations such as calving, sickness or transport, the animal can eliminate the virus and infect other cattle. All members of the family Herpesviridae possess this property of persistence. Nevertheless, the epizootic is harmless to humans.

How can companies protect themselves?

Even simple changes in operations and management can increase their protection against BHV-1 infection, say veterinary experts in Leer. These include, for example, the setting up of so-called disinfecting baths in front of the entrances to the barn. In addition, a ban on access for outsiders should be proclaimed. Employees must wear in-house protective clothing and boots. Non-visiting visitors (such as veterinarians or cattle dealers) should use special clothing for one-time use. Of course, if certain implements (livestock vehicles) are shared with other farmers, the affected equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use. (As)