Suspected case of bluetongue disease in the Vogtland region

A suspected case of bluetongue, which is dangerous for cattle and sheep, has been reported in the Vogtland region. A cattle herd in the Upper Vogtland region is affected, according to the district office. "Final confirmation of the findings by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute is still pending." The veterinarians in the region and the veterinary offices of the neighboring districts have been informed.

According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, there has been an increase in cases of bluetongue serotype 3 in Germany since the beginning of July. The main cause is the weather-related high activity of the small mosquitoes (midges) that transmit the virus. The pathogen is reportedly harmless to humans.

The disease had already appeared in Saxony-Anhalt at the beginning of July. Due to the close proximity, Saxony was therefore no longer considered free of bluetongue. According to the Ministry of Health, it can cause great animal suffering. Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) therefore called on animal owners at the beginning of the month to keep a close eye on their herds and inform the veterinary office in the event of suspicion. Sick animals suffer from loss of appetite, reduced milk production and fever. The disease can be fatal for them.