New vaccine to combat bluetongue disease released in Denmark as outbreaks threaten livestock

Multiple herds of sheep and cattle have recently reported outbreaks of the feared disease, bluetongue, in just over a week. Starting tomorrow, a new tool will be available to combat this disease, with the release of the first 5,000 doses of a vaccine against the virus.

Bente Østergaard, chairperson of the Danish Sheep Breeders Association, representing 1,500 members, anticipates significant interest in the vaccine among her members. “Many are ready to vaccinate their animals, even though we do not yet know the price of the vaccine,” she stated.

The potentially lethal disease has been confirmed in herds in Southern and Sønderjylland, with the latest outbreak occurring in a hobby flock in Spjald, located in Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality. The initial 5,000 doses will be used to combat bluetongue domestically.

While the vaccine does not stop blood-sucking midges from transmitting the disease to sheep, goats, and cattle, it can reduce the severity of the outbreak. According to Østergaard, the funds for the vaccine are well-invested, as the disease and culling of animals can lead to significant operational losses. Unlike the last outbreak in 2008, there is currently no state compensation available for affected farmers facing livestock culling.

Veterinary Director Charlotte Vilstrup Castle of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration announced that veterinarians across the country can start ordering the vaccines from Monday morning. The agency recommends prioritizing sheep for the vaccine, as the disease has proven particularly devastating for them. In total, authorities have reserved 200,000 vaccine doses for Denmark and are prepared to secure more if necessary.