Farmers in Southern Jutland on Alert as Bluetongue Virus Cases Rise

High fever and hair loss are symptoms that farmers and livestock breeders are increasingly monitoring as they inspect their animals for the infectious Bluetongue virus. Since its introduction to the country on August 9, cases have been confirmed in 24 herds, primarily in southern Jutland.

Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting ruminants like sheep, goats, cattle, and deer. The virus is transmitted by tiny blood-sucking midges known as Culicoides, which bite the animals to feed on their blood. Currently, there are 29 different serotypes of the bluetongue virus identified worldwide. Humans cannot contract bluetongue.

The outbreak is concerning local sheep farmers, as stated by Jens Nielsen, chairman of the Sønderjysk Sheep Breeders Association. He reports an increasing number of inquiries from breeders worried about potential infections, highlighting a surge in concern among the farming community.

Henrik Rohde Juhl, a farmer with 300 sheep and lambs, recently faced the challenge of an infected animal, which had to be euthanized due to severe symptoms like facial swelling and high fever. He emphasizes the discomfort and anxiety this outbreak has caused in the region.

Veterinarian Susanne Sommerlund has been working long hours to vaccinate local livestock against bluetongue. The current warm and humid conditions favor the spread of the disease vectors. Sommerlund has already reported multiple cases this week and advises farmers to keep their animals indoors to reduce exposure to the midges.

With promising weather predictions, the risk of infection is expected to continue for several months, potentially lasting until November. While cooler weather may help mitigate the spread, the disease is likely to persist, underscoring the need for effective vaccination efforts. Approximately 62,000 vaccine doses have been ordered, with more requests ongoing.