Bluetongue disease in Saxony has an impact on neighbors

After bluetongue was detected in a cow in Meissen, Saxony, at the beginning of the week, restrictions are also in place for some areas in the neighboring federal states. According to the Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture, the so-called restriction zone affects large areas in southern Brandenburg as well as parts of Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. Animals susceptible to the bluetongue virus, such as cattle, sheep or goats, may only be moved from the zone to virus-free regions within Germany and the EU under certain conditions.

First case of BTV-8 since 2009

At the beginning of the week, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute detected bluetongue in a cow from Meissen. According to the Saxon Ministry of Social Affairs, this is the first detection of BTV-8 in Saxony since 2009. Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate are already affected.

Bluetongue is a viral infection transmitted by certain blood-sucking mosquitoes. The disease, which mainly affects cattle and sheep, but also goats and deer, can cause great suffering. According to the District Office, affected animals suffer from a loss of appetite and fever and produce less milk. In severe cases, bluetongue can be fatal. As protection, experts recommend that farmers vaccinate their animals. The pathogen is reportedly harmless to humans.