The dangerous bluetongue disease, which affects many animal species, has been detected in Northern Thuringia. Authorities warn that more cases may follow as the disease spreads across the region.
The bluetongue disease, which poses a severe threat to ruminants, has now been confirmed in Thuringia. According to the state’s health ministry, a single sheep in each of the Eichsfeld and Nordhausen districts has tested positive for the disease. While the affected animals are currently receiving treatment, the ministry anticipates further cases as the disease has recently been identified in neighboring states as well. The disease is primarily spread by biting midges and has already impacted several European countries.
Hot and humid weather accelerates disease spread
Health Minister Heike Werner highlighted the role of the hot and humid summer weather in exacerbating the disease’s spread, as it creates ideal conditions for the midges that transmit the virus. She emphasized the importance of vaccination for livestock, not only to prevent the spread but also as a measure of animal welfare. Financial assistance for vaccination is available to farmers from the state and the animal disease fund, and the ministry also recommends using insect-repellent products to protect livestock.
With the recent detection of bluetongue disease, Thuringia has lost its status as a disease-free state. As a result, the transport of ruminants such as sheep and cattle from affected areas to disease-free regions is now subject to strict conditions. The disease, currently spreading as serotype 3 according to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, causes symptoms such as fever and loss of appetite in infected animals. The last reported cases of bluetongue disease in Thuringia occurred in 2009.
