New case of bluetongue in the canton of Vaud
Published: Thursday, Aug 29th 2024, 11:00
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For the first time in four years, there has been a case of bluetongue in Switzerland. The disease, which is transmitted by small mosquitoes, has been detected in a cow in the canton of Vaud. Bluetongue is not dangerous for humans.
Meat and milk can also be consumed without concern, as announced by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) on Thursday. Bluetongue is one of the animal diseases that must be combated and is therefore notifiable.
Symptoms include fever, inflamed mucous membranes, swelling of the head and miscarriages. The disease is spread by midges, a small species of mosquito. Symptoms of the BTV-8 subtype detected in Vaud develop mainly in cattle and sheep.
This subtype has been spreading in neighboring France for some time. Switzerland experienced its first case of bluetongue in 2007; the last infection to date was detected in 2020.
A bluetongue zone has now been re-established in Switzerland. This means that the domestic movement of animals remains possible without restrictions, as the FSVO writes. However, exports to countries without cases of bluetongue disease are now only possible under certain conditions. This also affects semen, egg cells and embryos.
A vaccine against BTV-8 is available in Switzerland; vaccination of animals is voluntary. According to the FSVO, complete protection against midges is hardly possible. However, the Federal Office recommends nets as well as insecticides and mosquito repellents. It is also advised to remove standing water. This is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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