Tue, Oct 24th 2023
In Switzerland, there have been no cases of Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD). Positive findings in a calf in Bern and a cow in Jura were found to be false-positive.
The precautionary measures against EHD have been lifted and Switzerland is now considered EHD-free. Blood samples from the two animals found in October were examined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reference laboratory and were found to be negative.
The regulations issued last week to restrict international trade in animals, seeds, eggs and embryos to prevent the spread of the disease are no longer in effect. However, the Swiss Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) advised caution.
EHD is a mosquito-borne disease that has been spreading in Europe since 2022, with outbreaks in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Symptoms include sudden high fever, bleeding at various body parts, listlessness and bloody diarrhoea.
Cattle are most commonly affected, but sheep and goats can also be infected. Affected animals rarely die. In Switzerland, EHD is classified as a disease to be combated. It is not dangerous to humans.
©Keystone/SDA
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