Bluetongue has been found in a cow in the district of Meißen. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has confirmed the findings of serotype 8 (BTV-8), the Ministry of Social Affairs announced. This is the first detection of this serotype in Saxony since 2009. Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate are already affected.
A trade restriction zone with a radius of 150 kilometers has been established around the outbreak in the district of Meißen. Certain restrictions on trade and sale apply in this zone.
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, reduced milk production and fever. In severe cases, bluetongue can be fatal. As protection, experts recommend that farmers vaccinate their animals. The pathogen is reportedly harmless to humans.
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