Bluetongue disease in sheep and cattle continues to spread
Published: Wednesday, Oct 9th 2024, 10:20
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The number of sheep and cattle herds affected by bluetongue is increasing in Switzerland. At the beginning of the week, 956 livestock holdings were affected, according to a list published by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).
Bluetongue has been detected in livestock in more than 20 cantons. The most affected livestock farms are in the cantons of Jura and Aargau. In Aargau alone, the pathogen has been detected in 134 livestock holdings since the first case at the beginning of September, as the cantonal Department of Health and Social Affairs (DGS) announced on Wednesday.
Livestock farms in which bluetongue has been detected are also located in the cantons of Thurgau, Basel-Landschaft, Bern and Zurich, among others.
Bluetongue disease (Bluetongue BT) is a non-contagious viral disease of ruminants and camelids (even-toed ungulates). The disease is transmitted by stinging insects. The disease is not dangerous for humans, as the FSVO explains.
Animal holdings affected by bluetongue in Switzerland are closed to animal traffic. In addition, the authorities have ordered measures to reduce mosquito infestation in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
Measures against spread
Due to the high number of cases of the disease in Switzerland, the cantonal veterinarians decided, in consultation with the FSVO, to ease the lockdown measures. However, the authorities ordered protective measures, as stated in the DGS press release.
Ruminants may be housed without the approval of the cantonal veterinarian. Sick animals are banned from animal traffic - with the exception of slaughter.
The transfer of healthy animals to another holding requires an accompanying document and a permit from the cantonal authorities. The movement of animals for direct slaughter remains permitted with the accompanying document in the case of epidemic control measures.
©Keystone/SDA
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